Occupation army demands increase in submarine fleet to confront 'growing' Turkish naval power

The Israeli army has demanded an increase in its submarine fleet to eight submarines, as it monitors the expansion of Turkish naval capabilities, particularly in the field of German-made submarines. The Turkish fleet currently has 14 submarines, with expectations of an increase to 18, compared to five Israeli submarines currently, with a sixth nearing service. The cost of each submarine is about one billion euros.

The Israeli army has demanded an increase in its submarine fleet to eight submarines, as it monitors the expansion of Turkish naval capabilities, particularly in the field of German-made submarines. According to the Israeli army radio, the Turkish navy currently has 14 submarines, with expectations of an increase to 18 in the coming years, compared to five submarines currently in the Israeli army, with a sixth submarine nearing service. These figures reflect the size of the gap in submarine fleets between the two sides, which prompted the Israeli army to submit a recommendation to the political level to increase its fleet to eight submarines in the coming years. The cost of each submarine is about one billion euros, while an agreement between Israel and Germany allows for the purchase of an additional submarine under specific financial terms. Steps to purchase one or two submarines are expected to be discussed after the Israeli elections and the formation of the next government, according to security officials quoted by the army radio. The move comes amid increasing focus within the Israeli military establishment on the rapid development of Turkish naval capabilities.