Israel proposes expanding submarine fleet to eight vessels — Jerusalem Post
In Israel, the defense establishment has recommended that the political leadership expand the Navy's submarine fleet to eight vessels. The recommendation was made amid monitoring of Turkey's acquisition of German-made submarines, The Jerusalem Post reports, citing Army Radio.
Modernization of Israel's fleet
Israel's Navy currently operates five submarines, while a sixth vessel, INS Drakon, is en route to Israeli shores. Defense establishment representatives stressed that the fleet's expansion should involve replacing old vessels with new ones, rather than merely increasing their number.
Israel's current contract with Germany allows it to order a seventh submarine. The cost of each such vessel is estimated at about €1 billion. Senior defense officials told Army Radio that they would advance the matter “in a structured manner,” but the procurement cannot take place before the October elections are concluded.
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Turkey's plans
According to the publication, Turkey currently has 14 submarines, and their number is expected to increase to 18 in the coming years. It is precisely this expansion of Turkey's submarine fleet that the Israeli side is taking into account in its planning.
At the end of August, a farewell ceremony for INS Drakon was held in Germany, attended by Israeli Navy Commander Vice Admiral Eyal Harel, German Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, and other Israeli and German officials. The Israel Defense Forces and the Ministry of Defense announced the submarine's departure for Israel on September 1. According to The Jerusalem Post, the vessel belongs to the new German Dragon model.
