Global Security Newswire

Israel recently closed a deal to acquire a sixth nuclear-capable submarine from Germany, United Press International reported on Saturday (see GSN, Dec. 1, 2011).

Under the agreement inked in recent weeks, Berlin would pay some of the expense of the Dolphin-class submarine, the Jerusalem Post reported.

The arms deal is proof of Germany's continued interest in Israel's national defense, a top German defense official told the Israeli newspaper.

"The security of the state of Israel is a German concern and this will not change," Secretary of State for Defense Christian Schmidt said.

Israel has already acquired three Dolphin-class vessels from Germany. An additional two submarines are being built, according to earlier reports. 

It is not known if Israel intends to equip the submarines with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. Jerusalem abides by a longstanding policy of neither confirming nor denying it has nuclear weapons (United Press International, Feb. 5).