Israeli officials at a ceremony in Kiel, Germany to receive a Dolphin-Class submarine. Photo: IDF.

Israel received its fifth Dolphin-Class submarine Monday in an official ceremony in Kiel, Germany.

The CEO of the Ministry of Defense, Major General (Res.) Ehud Shani, the Commander in Chief of the Navy, Rear Admiral Ram Rutberg, joined by additional Israeli and German officials inaugurated the fifth Dolphin-Class submarine with the breaking of a celebratory champagne bottle on the hull of the submarine.

INS Rahav is to arrive in Israel within the year. The Dolphin is considered to be one of the most advanced and cutting-edge submarines in the world, and possesses numerous capabilities fit for a large variety of missions.

Israel’s first three Dolphin-class submarines are believed to be some of the most advanced diesel-electric submarines in the world.

Germany donated the first two submarines after the First Gulf War and split the cost of the third with Israel. The fourth was received last year. In March 2012, Israel signed a contract for a sixth submarine, meaning that by the end of the decade the navy will have doubled its fleet.