Israel’s New ‘INS Tanin’ Submarine From Germany Is Like A ‘Dolphin With Nukes’
The INS Tanin Dolphin-class submarine supplied by Germany to Israel this week, is the largest submarine that has been produced by Germany since the Second World War and is one of the most expensive pieces of war equipment owned by the Jewish State.
As well as being expensive, the Tanin is also regarded as one of the “most sophisticated, stealthy, and effective conventionally-powered submarines on the the planet.”
Interestingly, the Israeli Navy’s new toy is only their fourth sub and is larger than the three they already own. The Dolphin 2 design, measures 225 feet in length with a 22 foot beam and 20 foot drought. Three diesel-electric motors generate 4,243 HP each, giving the Tanin a top speed of 25 knots underwater.
The Jerusalem Post reports that the vessel only needs 35 crewmen to operate it, way less in terms of personnel than the others in the fleet, and the all-new advanced air-independent propulsion system also puts it a cut above the rest.
Traditionally diesel engined submarines required oxygen to run and once that supply ran out, the engines died. But with the new AIP technology things work more like a hybrid car as diesel engines recharge large Li-ion batteries that power a silent propulsion system which is not limited by the need for oxygen.
But you shouldn’t be fooled by the Tanin’s apparent eco-friendlyness as it is a formidable enemy in war and is equipped with room for up to 16 torpedoes and cruise missiles as well as four 650mm tubes which can be used for anything from subsea mines to special forces infiltration vehicles.
Ehud Barak, Israel’s then Minister of Defense, said during a press conference in 2012 that the initial purchase of the vessels from Germany ran at a cost of around $1.27 billion!
As Barak said at the time, “The submarine will amplify the capabilities of the IDF and the State of Israel’s strength. The Navy has undergone strategic changes over the past few years that place it at the forefront of the battle over the safety of Israel, as the long arm of the IDF. The agreement reflects the strong relations with Germany and the German government’s commitment to Israeli security.”
The new sub arrived from a Kiel shipyard in Germany at Israel’s northern port of Haifa on Monday where it will be tweaked before entering officially into service for the Israeli Navy.
