Germany stands firm at Israel’s side as a major ally, one that continues to supply advanced naval vessels for the IDF among other aid. While President Reuven Rivlin is in the midst of an official visit making 50 years of diplomatic ties between Jerusalem and Berlin.

Germany has agreed to a deal that will supply the IDF Navy with four advanced patrol ships manufactured by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) shipyards in Kiel. The primary objective of the new ships will be to protect Israel’s off-shore gas rigs. The 1,840 ton vessels carry a price tag of €430 million, of which Israel will only pay €315 million. The money comes from a special budget, not from the defense budget approved by the cabinet.

The remaining sum is being subsidized by the German government.

As part of the deal, TKMS will increase its procurement in Israel and purchase goods at a value of €150 million. This is the same firm that is constructing the advanced Dolphin submarines. The new patrol vessels are due to be delivered within the coming five years.

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon announced the ships are among the most advanced in the world.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)