Meet the IDF’s New Submarines

In 2014, the Israel Navy is expected to put two new advanced Dolphin-class submarines into service: the INS Crocodile, and the INS Rahav. These two submarines were acquired from Germany in 2012. With the introduction of these submarines into the fleet, submariner recruits will now undergo a new training regimen.

The current course of submarine recruits will be the first to complete the training for the new submarines. The new training includes two new roles for the control panel and sonar.

“These new submarines have new systems, and therefore new capabilities. Among these are greater stealth and the ability to stay longer underwater,” said the commander of the school, Maj. Y. These new submarines will use AIP (air-independent propulsion) technology, which enables them to stay underwater longer. These submarines are also stealthier because they produce less noise.

Moreover, the new submarines will be equipped with the most up-to-date naval weapons systems and improved detection capabilities. They are also designed to be easily maneuvered. “These submarines are larger than previous ones. In the event of a clash with strong water currents, the new steering station is designed to allow them to move more easily,” Maj. Y.said.

In addition to the regular submariner course, one long retraining course took place for the veterans.  “Each submarine team consists of veterans who qualified in Germany, submariners and other veterans who were retrained, and new soldiers who enlisted when their course was adapted to the new submarines,” said Major Y.

The soldiers’ daily routine consists of morning roll call, courses in a classroom, frequent treks of six to 20 kilometers, the use of digital simulators, and most importantly, tours in a submarine. “Obviously the goal of the training is to be relevant to the reality in the field,” said Major Y. While Israel’s enemies are training and improving all of the time, the Israel Navy will always stay one step ahead of them.