Israel purchases sixth submarine from Germany: "This submarine will act as a force multiplier for the IDF"

(JPost) Defense Minister Ehud Barak and his German counterpart, Wolf Rudiger, signed a contract for the purchase of a sixth submarine for Israel's navy on Wednesday in Berlin.

During the signing ceremony, Barak said that the new submarine would act as a "force multiplier" for the IDF, and assist it in dealing with growing security challenges.

"The agreement is an expression of the depth of relations with Germany, and the German government's commitment to the security of the state of Israel," Barak added.

"The Navy has in recent years undergone strategic changes that place it at the forefront of the battle for Israel's security, and as the IDF's long arm," the defense minister said.

Defense Ministry Director-General Udi Shani also attended the ceremony.

Israel operates three German-built Dolphin submarines, manufactured by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW), a unit of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, and expects delivery of two more shortly. The vessels are considered a vanguard against foes like Iran.

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