U-boats for Israel

Sources in Germany report that the country will sell Israel two AIP-equipped SSK Dolphin class submarines for a total of EUR 1 billion ($1.17 billion), with the German government picking up one-third of the cost. They will be constructed at the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) shipyard, in Kiel.

The Dolphins are quiet diesel attack submarines that evolved from Germany’s successful U209 class. The AIP system chosen for the 2 new subs was not specified. While HDW owns Kockums AB and its successful Stirling AIP system, it also has its own technology using Siemens PEM hydrogen fuel cells. This HDW system is used in the U212/214 class, which the Dolphins resemble and which was also derived from the U209 1300/1400 subs.