New Submarines and Ships.. Netanyahu Strengthens Israel's Naval Power

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will enhance its naval capabilities by acquiring more submarines, ships, and other combat means, emphasizing that his country aims to be one of the leading nations globally in maritime and underwater warfare.

Netanyahu explained during a visit to the naval base in Ashdod, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday, that security agency leaders informed him of the need for more naval resources. He added that the sixth submarine has already arrived in Israel, while the security establishment is requesting additional submarines, ships, and unspecified other means, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office website.

Additionally, Netanyahu stated that the maritime domain has turned into an "international battlefield," referring to the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.

The Israeli Prime Minister also added that what he described as "Israel's enemies" are seeking to threaten Israel's maritime domain in the Mediterranean Sea, ports, and shipping traffic. He confirmed that his country will work to protect its security from the sea, alongside enhancing its offensive and defensive capabilities in both maritime and underwater domains.

During the visit, Netanyahu and Katz received a briefing from the Chief of Staff of the Navy and the Commander of the Ashdod base regarding the challenges facing the maritime arena, and the activities of the forces in the southern region, including ongoing security units and naval landing units.

They also watched a presentation of the combat means used by the naval forces to deal with threats, whether in defense or attack missions, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

Netanyahu's statements came after the submarine "Drakon" arrived in Israel last September from Germany, becoming the sixth in the Israeli submarine fleet, as part of an ongoing program to develop naval capabilities. "Drakon" belongs to the latest generation of Israeli submarines, while Tel Aviv continues to work on developing additional submarines of the "Dakar" class, as part of a broader plan to modernize its naval fleet and enhance its long-range capabilities.

"Drakon" is also the first Israeli submarine of the "Dolphin 2" class to be built in Germany in over a decade, designed to provide advanced capabilities for long-term operations underwater. It is approximately 74 meters long and is classified among the largest submarines that have entered service in the Israeli Navy.

The three new submarines of the "Dakar" class are scheduled to join the Israeli fleet in the future, as part of a defense agreement between Israel and Germany aimed at replacing older submarines and enhancing the capabilities of the Navy.