Israel’s submarines might have a big nuclear secret

The History of the Dolphin-Class:

Following the lessons learned from the Yom Kippur War and Persian Gulf War, Israeli officials recognized the necessity of building a robust nuclear triad of air, sea and land-based nuclear weapons.

The concept of the Dolphin-Class derived from this objective. During the 1991 Gulf War, German firms assisted Iraq’s ballistic missile development, providing the country with the range of capabilities needed to reach Israeli cities. To compensate Israel for its losses during the war caused by these longer-range missiles, Germany approved an assistance package for the Jewish state, which included the construction of two Dolphin-class submarines.

Israel’s first Dolphin-class ships, Dolphin, Tekuma and Leviathan, entered service in 1999 and 2000. Constructed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel, Germany, the Dolphin-1 submarines measured roughly 187 feet long and armed to the teeth. Each vessel in this class features six standard 533-mm torpedo tubes and four 650mm torpedo tubes. Although the exact specs of the tubes’ makeup remains classified, experts believed that their Triton fiber-optic guided-weapon system may enable the platforms to reach targets in ranges greater than nine miles.

When the Dolphin II-class submarines first entered service in 2014, they were refitted to sport an increased payload. Analysts believe that these submarines possess the ability to carry nuclear weapons. However, Berlin has refused to respond to this speculation and confirm whether or not it had modified the Dolphin II ships to be equipped with cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads.

Last year, rumors circulated surrounding the latest Dolphin II-submarine INS Drakon. Bigger than its sister-ships, the submarine also sports a strikingly large sail. Experts believe that this increased size provides room for advanced new missiles. Many analysts predict that the newly purchased submarine also features a vertical launch system (VLS), which allows for a greater variation of weapons to be deployed. While a sophisticated VLS and the potential to launch nuclear weapons are significant, the Dolphin ships have been constructed to serve in more localized patrols, unlike other nuclear-powered vessels. The class’ diesel-electric power source limits how long these submarines can remain submerged.

Additionally, the air-independent propulsion system (AIP) incorporated on the newer Dolphin vessels minimizes their acoustic signature, making them more challenging for enemy warships to detect. The Dolphin II submarines also allegedly feature advanced sonar designed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

Cost-wise, the Dolphin ships are among the pricier pieces of machinery that the IDF possesses. However, considering the geopolitical turmoil threatening the Middle East, the necessity of the Jewish state’s sea-based deterrence is paramount, rendering these submarines cost-effective.