Saturday, March 23, 2013

Israel's Navy has emerged as a regional submarine 'superpower'

http://www.geostrategy-direct.com/geostrategy-direct/secure/2013/03_27/mi.asp

 

Israel's Navy has emerged as a regional submarine 'superpower'

TEL AVIV — Israel has become a submarine power in the Middle East.

The Israel Navy has determined that its procurement program would sharply enhance underwater combat abilities. Officers cited Israel's deals to build a fleet of six Dolphin-class submarines supplied by Germany.

"The Israel Navy is becoming a regional superpower in the submarine field," Capt. Sasi Chodeda, head of the Navy's Combat Systems Division, said. "Our submarines provide a vital pillar in the state's security."

Additional Dolphin-class submarines are expected to be delivered from Germany to Israel this year as part of Tel Aviv's plans to transform its Navy into a deep-water force.  


In an address to a recent conference, Chodeda said the Navy was rapidly enhancing its underwater performance based on low-frequency sonar systems. The officer said the Dolphins are equipped with the most advanced weapons and radars as well as battle management, fire control and navigation.

Chodeda said Israel was competing with naval modernization programs throughout the region. He cited Egyptian procurement of electric-diesel submarines from Germany that resembled those of Dolphin.

"We know that countries around us are strengthening their capabilities," Chodeda said. "Egypt signed an agreement with Germany for the purchasing of advanced submarines, which were built from the same plans as our submarines."

But Chodeda said the Israel Navy maintains the most advanced submarine fleet in the Middle East. He said the Navy's new Dolphin submarines were powered by air-independent propulsion, which enables the platforms to operate underwater for much longer than their non-nuclear counterparts.

The Navy has also stressed its surface vessel capabilities, including the procurement of precision-guided missiles. Another acquisition was that of the Protector unmanned surface vehicle, developed by Israel's state-owned Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Chodeda said Protector could replace the Dabour-class patrol boats.

"The Protector moves fast, has great maneuverability, and is incredibly stealthy," the Navy said on March 17. "Its great versatility allows it to be deployed in such diverse capacities as anti-terror duties, surveillance and reconnaissance and electronic warfare. Furthermore, the USV can identify and intercept threats and is equipped with an Israeli-designed weapons system with day and night targeting capabilities through the use of forward looking infrared and laser rangefinders."

 

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