Israel fitting nuke arms on German-supplied subs: reportJune 4, 2012 - 21:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - As tensions mount in the Gulf over Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel is reported to have armed its new fleet of submarines supplied by Germany with nuclear tipped cruise missiles, according to PTI. Three "Dolphin" class diesel-electric submarines delivered to Israel recently by the Howaldswerke Deutsche Werft (HDW) shipyard had been armed with medium-range missiles carrying nuclear warheads, Der Spiegel magazine reported. Israel, according to a western estimate, is the Middle East's sole, but undeclared nuclear-armed power and the reports of its arming the German acquired submarines with N-warheads may touch off a debate in Germany. The magazine claimed that Berlin has so far denied that German submarines were being used as parts of Israeli nuclear arsenal. "Dolphin" class submarines are reported to be the most sophisticated conventionally powered submarines in the world. They have the advantage of remaining submerged for a long time without being detected. They were originally intended to carry cruise missiles with a range of 1,500 km, but they can also deliver a 200 KG nuclear payload. Der Spiegel reported that the nuclear-tipped missiles will be fired with a hitherto secret hydraulic system. The Dolphins supplied to Israel by German shipyard HDW are an upgraded version of Type 209 Shishumar class submarine sold to India. Israel will receive three more "Dolphin" class submarines from the HDW shipyard till 2017 and it has plans to buy three more submarines, according to Der Spiegel. Earlier this year, the German government agreed to provide Israel 135 million euros to finance one-third of the costs for the sixth submarine. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |