MilitaryDolphin-class Submarine
Submarineestimated
Israel's Dolphin-class submarines are widely believed to serve as the sea-based leg of an undeclared nuclear triad. The submarines reportedly carry nuclear-tipped Popeye Turbo cruise missiles. Germany financed a significant portion of the cost as part of Holocaust reparations. Israel neither confirms nor denies.
Specifications
| Type | Submarine |
| Origin | Israel |
| Manufacturer | ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (Germany) |
| Introduced | 1999 |
| Status | In service |
| Range | 8,000 |
| Weight | 1,900 |
| Crew | 35 |
| Speed | 37 |
History
Five Dolphin-class submarines in service (2025), with a sixth ordered. Germany funded 1/3 to 1/2 of cost for first 3 boats. An Israeli official reportedly confirmed nuclear capability in 2013. Provide second-strike deterrence even if Israel's land-based deterrent is struck first.
Operators
| Country | Quantity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Israel | 5 active (+ 1 in refit) | confirmed |
Text adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo from Wikimedia Commons; see the Wikipedia article for author and license.
