Israel received today the fifth Dolphin-Class submarine in an official ceremony in Kiel, Germany. MOD Director General, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Udi Shani; Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Ram Rothberg; in addition to other high ranking Israeli officials and their German counterparts inaugurated the fifth Dolphin Class submarine. This ceremony signaled the end of a lengthy process led by the Procurement Administration of the Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Navy.

“INS Rahav” will arrive in Israel during the course of 2013, upon the completion and installation of its relevant systems.  It is considered one of the most advanced and sophisticated submarines in the world, and will be Israel’s most expensive piece of military equipment. Israel’s first three Dolphin-class submarines are believed to be some of the most advanced diesel-electric submarines in the world. The fourth submarine Tanin, the first of the new generation Dolphin II subs, wasdelivered about a year ago, on May 2012.

Germany donated the first two submarines after the First Gulf War and split the cost of the third with Israel. The fourth was received last year. In March 2012, Israel signed a contract for a sixth submarine, meaning that by the end of the decade the navy will have doubled its fleet.

The Rahav submarine is extremely versatile with a range of capabilities enabling it to adapt to a multitude of missions. The submarines are the multiplier force of the Israeli Navy, the IDF, and the State of Israel.

As the prime contractor HDW was responsible for development, construction and integration of all Dolphin class submarines and the advanced combat systems with which the vessel is equipped. The acquisition of the three submarines is estimated to cost about US$1.5 billion, with a third of the cost covered by German Government assistance.