Global Security Newswire

A new Israeli Dolphin-class submarine was formally put into the water on Monday in Germany, and the vessel is set to enter active service in a year after undergoing trials, the Globes business daily reported.

Israeli navy chief Vice Adm. Ram Rotberg and Defense Ministry Director General Udi Shani were present for the ceremony at the Port of Kiel. Germany built and provided 33 percent of the funding for the $500 million INS Rahav, which like other Dolphin-class submarines is believed capable of carrying nuclear cruise missiles.

Israel neither confirms nor denies its widely accepted possession of a nuclear arsenal.

Four Dolphin-class submarines have already been delivered to Israel. Following the INS Rahav, an "improved Dolphin" is due to be turned over to the Israeli navy by 2017 or 2018.