Israel enhancing nuke-capable submarines

Israel enhancing nuke-capable submarines
Diplomatic channels working to secure travel, refueling routes to waters near Iran
Posted: August 9, 2006
4:55 p.m. Eastern

By Aaron Klein
© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

HAIFA, Israel – German engineers the past few weeks have been in Israel working to improve three advanced, nuclear capable attack submarines it provided the Jewish state last year, security sources tell the Galil Report.

Many here have estimated the vessels can be used both as a strategic, second-strike nuclear deterrent or for conventional use during any large-scale confrontation.

Military officials say the submarines are not needed for Israel's current campaign in Lebanon. The officials said Israel recently has discussed with foreign governments travel and refueling routes so the submarines can reach the Persian Gulf – within firing distance of Iran.

The submarines usually patrol in the Indian Ocean. But the Galil Report has learned one is currently stationed in the Mediterranean off the coast of Haifa and another off the coast of Lebanon. Both submarines are being serviced. The Galil Report was not provided with the location of the third submarine.

The submarines are being fitted by German engineers with larger fuel tanks, security sources said. They said the submarines also are being fixed to carry larger torpedo tubes. Israel already had the submarines redesigned once in the past. Four of the 10 torpedo tubes were made to carry a 650 mm tube size, surpassing the nearly universal 533 mm diameter. Security sources said the submarine enhancements were not related to any specific military agenda. But they said Israel has discussed travel routes with foreign governments for the submarines to reach the Persian Gulf, within firing distance of Iran.

They said Egypt has denied Israel the ability to travel through the Suez Canal, but the Jewish state through diplomatic channels has secured the ability to travel to the Gulf via the Mediterranean. Coastal Eritrea had agreed to allow Israel to refuel at its port, which is still controlled by the Ethiopian army, sources told the Galil Report. Still, Israel is playing it safe by having the submarines' fuel capacity enlarged.

Today's Galil Report details the upgrades being made to Israel's already enhanced SSK Dolphin-class submarines and outlines diplomatic negotiations to ensure the vessels can travel toward the direction of the Iranian coast.