[EMPIRE VAMPIRE Tattler]
<Warning!> The non-Brainwashed
Will be CULLED from the HERD First !
(otherwise, How would we get away with Depopulating
80% of the remaining Planet's Populatiom ?)
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Submarine Proliferation - Israel Current Capabilities
Based at Haifa, the Israeli Navy (IN) currently operates
3 modern, diesel-electric, Dolphin-class submarines.
The IN is reportedly interested in acquiring at least two more units.
In December 2003, two of Israel's three decommissioned
Gal-class submarines arrived in Kiel for refits and modernization
They are to be reactivated for the IN.[1]
As previous conflicts involving Israel began with naval blockades,
Israel's submarine force is viewed as critical to national security.
It is intended to exercise sea control over the Eastern Mediterranean
and secure sea lines of communication; Israel is dependent
on imports of grain, crude oil, and raw materials.[2,3]
Given Arab-Israeli tensions, and the alleged development of WMD
Given Arab-Israeli tensions, and the alleged development of WMD
capacities by some of its neighbors, Israel increasingly has been
devoting funding toward countering these threats.[3]
Acknowledging Israel's lack of strategic depth,
its officials have pointed out that only submarines
can provide a secure weapons platform in the future.[2]
While HDW has stated that Israel's Dolphin-class submarines
were equipped with weapon systems similar
to those installed on other diesel-electric submarines,[4]
various sources have reported that upon their arrival in Israel,
the submarines were modified, and fitted with cruise missiles
armed with Nuclear Warheads.[5]
Some reports suggest that Israel has adapted Harpoon
cruise missiles, which have a range of 130 kilometers,
to carry an indigenously developed nuclear warhead
and guidance system, though other experts argue that
such modifications to a Harpoon missile are not feasible.[6]
Others believe that Israel has developed an indigenous
cruise missile with a range of 320 kilometers that is believed
to be a version of Rafael Armament Development Authority's
Popeye turbo cruise missile.[7]
Still others believe that the missile may be a version of the
Gabriel 4LR that is produced by Israel Aircraft Industries.
Once encapsulated, it could be launched in 533mm torpedo
tubes similar to the Harpoon.[8] Such speculation was further
fueled by an unconfirmed test of a nuclear-capable, submarine-
-launched cruise missile (SLCM) in the Indian Ocean in 2000.
Some reports claimed targets 1,500 kilometers away were hit.[7,9]
Such a range, however, implies an entirely new type of missile.[7,8,10]
However, the Israeli Defense Forces denies any such missile tests.[7,11]
In June 2002, former State Department and Pentagon officials
In June 2002, former State Department and Pentagon officials
confirmed that the U.S. Navy observed Israeli missile tests
in the Indian Ocean in 2000, and that the Dolphin-class vessels have
been fitted with nuclear-capable cruise missiles of a new design.[8]
Israel issued new denials, albeit in an indirect manner.[9]
In October 2003, unidentified senior U.S. and Israeli officials
were quoted as saying that Israel had successfully modified
nuclear warheads to fit its Harpoon missiles.[12]
Whatever the missile currently arming Israel's Dolphin-class
submarines, it seems clear that Israel
is interested in the acquisition of new cruise missiles.
Its request for U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles was rejected
by the Clinton administration in 2000, since such a sale
would have violated the Missile Technology Control Regime,
which prohibits the transfer of missiles with a range exceeding
300 kilometers.[5]
However, it is likely only a matter of time before Israel is capable
of mounting nuclear weapons on its submarine-launched missiles,
if it has not done so already.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the arming of Israel's submarines
has received a great deal of attention. The Dolphin-class was
designed in accordance with Israeli demands, and includes a
"wet and dry" compartment for special operations as well as
four 650mm torpedo tubes, which could be used for
Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs).[13]
However, the German Defense Ministry has stated that these
larger tubes were intended to fire Harpoons. Upon delivery to Israel,
liners were to be fitted to decrease the diameter of the tubes
to accommodate the 533mm Harpoon containers.
However, the Dolphin-class is equipped with six 533mm torpedo tubes
as well, which are capable of launching Harpoons.[14]
It seems possible, therefore, that the 650mm tubes might have
been designed to accommodate indigenously built, long-range SLCMs.
The German government has acknowledged that it could not
rule out different equipment being installed on the submarines.[15]
The IN has long been interested in acquiring at least
two additional submarines, ideally of the same type.[16]
In November 2005, outgoing German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder
approved the sale of two Dolphin-class submarines to Israel
for a total of €1 billion ($1.17 billion USD).[18]
Berlin is ready to provide up to €333 million in funding from
the German federal budget. The new boats will be equipped
with 650mm torpedo tubes—again leading to much speculation
that the Israelis intend to outfit the submarines
with nuclear-armed cruise missiles.[19]
For more information on Israeli submarine imports,
see the Israel: Import Behavior file.
Before obtaining the Dolphins, the IN depended upon three Gal-class submarines, designed by Germany for Israel, and constructed at the Vickers Shipyard in the United Kingdom in 1973-77. The Gal-class is a modified Type 206A coastal submarine. The Gals were decommissioned when the Dolphins were commissioned into the IN, and Israel had planned to sell the vessels. However, Israel eventually decided not to sell the submarines; instead, it will recommission them after they have been modernized by HDW.[7]
Dolphin
(Larger Pic.)
| Displacement, metric tons: | 1,640 surfaced 1,900 submerged | | |
| Dimensions, ft (m): | 188 × 22.3 × 20.3 (57.3 × 6.8 × 6.2) | ||
| Main machinery: | diesel-electric | ||
| Speed, knots: | 11 snorting 20 submerged | ||
| Complement: | 30 (including 6 officers) | ||
| Diving depth, ft (m): | 1,150 (350) | ||
| Endurance: | 30 days | ||
| Weapons: | 5 SSM/SLCMs and 16 torpedoes; four 25.6" (650mm) and six 21" (533mm) tubes; mines in lieu of torpedoes | ||
| Comments: | |||
Sources:
"'Dolphin' class," Submarine and submersible designs,
"'Dolphin' class," Submarine and submersible designs,
Jane's Underwater Warfare Systems online edition,
http://juws.janes.com , August 21, 2003.
Israeli Defense Forces Web Site,
Israeli Defense Forces Web Site,
Gal (Type 540)
| Displacement, metric tons: | 420 surfaced 600 submerged | | |
| Dimensions, ft (m): | (45 × 4.7 × 3.7) | ||
| Main machinery: | diesel-electric | ||
| Speed, knots: | 11 surfaced 17 submerged | ||
| Complement: | 22 | ||
| Range, miles: | 2,500 at 6 knots 1,800 at 11 knots | ||
| Endurance: | 80% discharge at 3.5 knots: 30 hours | ||
| Weapons: | 10 SSMs and torpedoes; eight 21" (533mm) tubes | ||
| Comments: | Currently decommissioned, two are undergoing modernization at HDW, to be recommissioned in future | ||
Sources: - A.D. Baker III, "World's Navies Are in Decline,"
US Naval Institute Proceedings, Vol. 130, No. 3 (March 2004),
p. 32; in ProQuest Information and Learning Company,
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb .
"Gal," Israeli-Weapons.com Website, http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/naval/gal/Gal.html.
"Gallery," Israeli Defense Forces Website,
"Gal," Israeli-Weapons.
"Gallery," Israeli Defense Forces Website,
http://www.idf.il/navy/html/galery/galery2.htm .
"Table V," and "Table VI," and "Table VII," Submarines and
"Table V," and "Table VI," and "Table VII," Submarines and
submersible designs, Jane's Underwater Warfare Systems
2003-2004 (Coulsdon, Jane's Information Group, 2003), pp. 58-64.
| ACTIVE-DUTY SUBMARINES | ||||||
| Name (Number) | Class | Base | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned |
| Dolphin | Dolphin | Haifa | HDW,TNSW | 1994 | 1996 | 1999 |
| Leviathan | Dolphin | Haifa | HDW,TNSW | 1995 | 1997 | 1999 |
| Tekuma | Dolphin | Haifa | HDW,TNSW | 1996 | 1998 | 2000 |
| Sources: "'Dolphin' class," Submarine and submersible designs, Jane's Underwater Warfare Systems online edition, http://juws. | ||||||
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This material is produced by the Monterey Institute's Center for Nonproliferation Studies
 | |
 | Russia Capabilities Jan 8 |
| Sweden Capabilities May 26 |
| India May 11 |
| Israel May 10 |
| Italy Capabilities May 10 |
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Sources:
[1] A.D. Baker III, "World's Navies Are in Decline,"
[1] A.D. Baker III, "World's Navies Are in Decline,"
US Naval Institute Proceedings, Vol. 130, No. 3 (March 2004),
p. 32; in ProQuest Information and Learning Company,
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb .
[2] Interview with Israel Navy Commander Major General Alex Tal by Alex Fishman, "If Israel wants to hide anything--it will be at sea," Yedi'ot Aharonot, 31 December 1999; in "Israel: outgoing Navy Chief on subs, Syria, Mediterranean," FBIS Document TA0201154800.
[3] David Rodman, "Israel's national security doctrine: an introductory overview," Middle East Review of International Affairs, September 2001; in "Academic views evolution of Israel's national security doctrine," FBIS Document GMP20011009000010.
[ 4] Douglas Frantz, "Israel Extends Nuclear Weapons Capability,"
[2] Interview with Israel Navy Commander Major General Alex Tal by Alex Fishman, "If Israel wants to hide anything--it will be at sea," Yedi'ot Aharonot, 31 December 1999; in "Israel: outgoing Navy Chief on subs, Syria, Mediterranean,
[3] David Rodman, "Israel's national security doctrine: an introductory overview," Middle East Review of International Affairs, September 2001; in "Academic views evolution of Israel's national security doctrine," FBIS Document GMP20011009000010.
[
Los Angeles Times, October 11, 2003;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com .
[5] "Popeye Turbo," www.israeli.weapons.com.
[6] Michael Nitz, "First Dolphins move in on Israeli Navy,"
[5] "Popeye Turbo," www.israeli.
[6] Michael Nitz, "First Dolphins move in on Israeli Navy,"
International Defense Review, Vol. 32, No. 9, September 1, 1999.
[7] Ed Blanche, "Israel denies sub-launched missile tests,"
[7] Ed Blanche, "Israel denies sub-launched missile tests,"
Jane's Missile and Rockets, August 1, 2000.
[8] "Gabriel," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems, August 28, 2003.
[9] Uzi Mahnaimi and Matthew Campbell,
[8] "Gabriel," Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems, August 28, 2003.
[9] Uzi Mahnaimi and Matthew Campbell,
"Israel Makes Nuclear Waves with Submarine Missile Test,"
Sunday Times, June 18, 2000; in "UK weekly details Israel's secret
cruise missile test," FBIS Document EUP20000618000010.
[10] Norman Friedman, "Israelis test sub-launched cruise missile,"
[10] Norman Friedman, "Israelis test sub-launched cruise missile,"
United States Naval Institute Proceedings, August 2000, Vol. 126,
No. 2, pp. 6-7; in ProQuest Information and Learning Company, http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb .
[11] Dani Shalom,
[11] Dani Shalom,
"IDF denies testing cruise missile launch from submarine,"
Hatzofe, June 19, 2000; in "IDF spokesman - Sunday Times'
cruise missile launch report 'totally unfounded',"
FBIS Document GMP20000619000070.
[12] Douglas Frantz, "Israel adds fuel to nuclear dispute,"
[12] Douglas Frantz, "Israel adds fuel to nuclear dispute,"
Los Angeles Times, October 12, 2003.
[13] Interview with Israel Navy Commander Major General
[13] Interview with Israel Navy Commander Major General
Alex Tal by Alex Fishman,
"If Israel wants to hide anything--it will be at sea,"
Yedi'ot Aharonot, December 31, 1999; in "Israel:
outgoing Navy Chief on subs, Syria, Mediterranean,"
FBIS Document TA0201154800.
[14] Hubert Wetzel, "Delfin mit übergrossem Kanonenrohr,"
[14] Hubert Wetzel, "Delfin mit übergrossem Kanonenrohr,
Süddeutsche Zeitung, September 1, 1999;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com .
[15] "Nuclear armament with German help," Der Spiegel,
[15] "Nuclear armament with German help," Der Spiegel,
October 30, 2000; in "Germany proves 'massive support'
to Israel's nuclear weapons program,"
FBIS Document EUP20001030000465.
[16] Amos Harel, "Navy eyes 2 new Dolphin submarines,"
[16] Amos Harel, "Navy eyes 2 new Dolphin submarines,"
Ha'aretz, February 19, 2003; in "Israeli Navy hoping
US, Germany to fund purchase of another 2 Dolphin submarines,"
FBIS Document GMP20030219000084.
[17] A.D. Baker III, "World's Navies Are in Decline,"
[17] A.D. Baker III, "World's Navies Are in Decline,"
US Naval Institute Proceedings, Vol. 130, No. 3 (March 2004),
p. 32; in ProQuest Information and Learning Company,
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb .
[18] German Government Approves Sale of Submarines to Israel,"
[18] German Government Approves Sale of Submarines to Israel,"
Der Spiegel, November 20, 2005;
in FBIS Document EUP20051120014001.
[19] Hinnerk Berlekamp, "U-Boote Atomwaffenträger für Israel?"
[19] Hinnerk Berlekamp, "U-Boote Atomwaffenträ
Berliner Zeitung, January 30, 2006;
in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, http://web.lexis-nexis.com .
This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center
for Nonproliferation Studies at the
Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not
necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently
verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents.
Copyright © 2007 by MIIS.
END
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Israeli Nuclear Weapons
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