Israel moves to expand submarine fleet beyond current six vessels

Israel’s Defence Ministry has recommended that the country’s political leadership increase the size of its submarine fleet to eight vessels, Israeli media reports.

Israel currently operates six submarines. According to the Israeli defence establishment, the plan involves not only replacing ageing submarines but also effectively expanding the fleet’s permanent strength.

As a first step, the ministry has proposed exercising an option for a seventh submarine provided for under the latest agreement with Germany, followed by the acquisition of an eighth. Each submarine is estimated to cost around €1 billion.

The program is expected to move forward after Israel forms a new political leadership.

By Jeyhun Aghazada