A Dolphin-class submarine docked in Israel. Israel's INS Tanin is scheduled to begin operations in the next few month. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – The Israeli Navy’s fourth submarine, the INS Tanin, which arrived in Israel last September, is scheduled to begin operations in the next few months.

Since it docked in Israel, the Tanin has undergone a series of tests and has been equipped with Israeli weapons, communications, and intelligence systems. At 223 feet, the new submarine is longer than the others in the navy’s fleet. Its size allows it to be fitted with fuel tanks that let it move noiselessly and remain submerged for longer than the other submarines can.

The Tanin is the first air-independent propulsion (AIP) class submarine acquired by the Israeli Navy. The German-made vessels are capable of submerging for extended periods of time.

According to reports, AIP-class submarines can carry long-range torpedoes and are expected to give Israel second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear attack.