According to a report appearing in the German weekly Der Spiegel, the new Dolphin submarines built by that country for the Israel Navy have nuclear capabilities. The daily Yediot Achronot reports that the vessels purchased by Israel will carry Popeye missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Three are currently operational and others are expected in the coming years.
The report in Der Spiegel adds that German defense officials are aware of the potential for Israel’s floating nuclear arsenal but preferred to ignore it due to Berlin’s commitment to Israel’s security. On the other hand, the report quoted German Chancellor Angela Merkel as saying the vessels do not have nuclear capabilities, adding the Popeye missiles were developed by Israel’s own Rafael Advanced Weapons System.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
7 Responses
What we probably need even more is an Israeli aircraft carrier or two if we ccould ever afford it. Just imagine bombing missions over Iran that are short range instead of long ones. Increased payloads, less chance of interception…
#1: An Israeli aircraft carrier makes no sense, militarily or financially.
#2 “No sense” is a little strong IMO. Militarily it avoids IAF pilots being frozen in place for half a day while flying to Iran, especialy eastern Iran, and then again when returning. There are hopefully other options however since, as I per my first post, we obviouslyy cannot afford it.
WOW
You u fellows discussing this must be experts
How lucky we are to have such experts as readers , who are prepared to share their knowledge.
We are truly blessed
#3 Strategically for Israel, it makes more sense to fly from the homeland and refuel in flight, than to use a aircraft carrier. Many Iranian targets are deep inland, and the flight time from Israel is not much longer than flight time from an aircraft carrier. Also, you can’t just field an aircraft carrier. You need escort ships, supply ships, submarines, and patrol aircraft. Plus, because they concentrate so many assets in a single location, they make great targets.
#4 As a matter of fact, although I’ve been in the defense business for only 35 years or so, I am an expert. But I am not prepared nor allowed to share ALL of my knowledge. (:-)
Cruise missles capable of being fired from ships became operational over a generation ago. What’s the hiddush.
#5
Like I said we are truly blessed