Israel signs $3.4 billion deal with Germany to buy three submarines

Europe, Middle East, News January 21, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

Israel reached a $3.4 billion (€3 billion) deal with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to purchase three Dakar-class diesel-electric submarines, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced on January 20.

The Israeli Defense Ministry said in a statement that Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems would build three advanced submarines for the Israeli Navy. The Defense Ministry appluaded the deal that was signed after “several-year planning and negotiation process.”

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said “I would like to thank the German government for its assistance in advancing the agreement and for its commitment to Israel’s security. I am confident that the new submarines will upgrade the capabilities of the Israeli Navy, and will contribute to Israel’s security superiority in the region.”

*^{(Image Credit: Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems)}*

According to ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems release, the agreement was reached on the framework conditions for the purchase of three Dakar-class submarines.

“After extensive negotiations, all parties involved agreed to the technical content and contractual provisions,” the statement read.

“The Dakar class will be of a completely new design, which is to be specifically engineered to fulfill the operational requirements of the Israeli Navy,” ThyssenKrupp statement added.

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems CEO, Dr. Rolf Wirtz said, “We, as thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Germans, are honoured and proud to continue the long cooperation – spanning decades – with the Israeli Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Navy. The new class of submarine will provide Israel with the most advanced capabilities, based on an innovative, cutting-edge technology.”

“This agreement demonstrates the deep commitment of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to guarantee Israel’s long-term security. It was signed after a thorough and extensive groundwork process, and I would like to thank our partners in the Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Navy for their commitment and professionalism,” Dr. Wirtz added.

*^{Official rendering of the Dakar-class submarine. (Image Credit: Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems)}*

According to Israeli Defense Ministry, first of the three Dakar submarines are expected to be delivered within nine years. The agreement also includes the supply of spare parts and the creation of a training simulator in Israel.

In addition to the submarine deal, Israel and Germany also signed an €850 million ($963.5 million) agreement that would allow the German government to invest in Israeli defense firms and other industries.

Israel’s Navy currently operates five German-built Dolphin-class submarines, the new Dakar-class submarines will replace the first batch, three of the aging Dolphin-class submarines.

Earlier the negotiations on the submarines deal were halted over suspected corruption charges connected to Israel’s purchase of German submarines. Israel’s former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s close military aides and colleagues were involved in the suspected bribe scandal.