Vessel is expected to reach Israel only in 2013; Germany approved sale of sixth submarine, expected to arrive in Israel by 2017
An official ceremony was held in the German city of Kiel
Monday to mark the handover of a fifth submarine to Israel's
Navy. The ceremony was attended by Defense Ministry Director Udi Shani, Navy
Commander Gen. Ram Rotenberg and other Israeli officials, along with their
German counterparts.
In May 2011, a special ministerial committee decided to accept the
recommendations of Defense Minister Ehud
Barak , who promoted its purchase. Israel
already operates four Dolphine-class submarines.
The vessel is due a process of
further development overseen by the Defense Ministry in collaboration with the
Navy. It is expected to reach Israel within several months and dock at the Haifa Port.
"Rahav" is considered one of the most advanced
submarines in the world and is the most expensive war vessel Ministry of
Defense has procured for the IDF
. The diesel-powered submarines are widely regarded as an Israeli vanguard
against foes like Iran.
Last year the German government approved the sale of a sixth submarine,
which is expected to arrive in Israel
by 2017.
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