Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Monday, 29 April 2013), welcomed the launch of the State of Israel's fifth submarine. "The submarines are a strong, strategic tool for the IDF. The State of Israel is ready to act anytime, anywhere – on land, sea and air – in order to ensure the security of Israel's citizens," the Prime Minister said.

Defense Ministry Receives IDF's Fifth Dolphin Class Submarine from Germany

At an official ceremony today (Monday, 29 April 2013), at the Kiel shipyard in Hamburg, the Defense Ministry received a fifth Dolphin class submarine – the "INS Rahav".


Defense Ministry Director-General, Maj.-Gen. (Res.) Udi Shani, GOC Navy, Rear Admiral Ram Rothberg, other senior Israeli officials and their German counterparts inaugurated the submarine. This ceremony signaled the end of a lengthy process led by the Defense Ministry Procurement Administration and the Israeli Navy.


The highpoint of the event in the Kiel shipyard was the ceremonial breaking of the champagne bottle on the submarine by both Israeli and German officials. "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 among Israel's most expensive pieces of military equipment.


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.