Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — Israel has acquired its most advanced submarine.

On Sept. 23, the Israel Navy took delivery of the Dolphin Mk-2 electric-diesel submarine from Germany.

The platform, produced by ThyssenKrupp Systems, was said to represent unprecedented capabilities for the navy.

“INS Tanin is the first Israeli Navy submarine that possesses air-independent propulsion, and is the fourth submarine Israel has acquired,” the military said.

Tanin marked the first of the latest batch of Dolphins ordered by Israel. Officials said Dolphin contained many of the capabilities of the Type 214 submarine, deemed the most advanced non-nuclear submarine in the world. They included an advanced sonar system.

The deal, reported at $1.5 billion, was subsidized by the German government as part of reparations for Holocaust victims.

“This will double its [naval] capabilities,” navy commander Vice Adm. Ram Rothberg said. “It will be able to reach further and deeper, for a longer period of time, demonstrating force unknown until this day.”

Officials said latest submarine would be followed by at least two others, the next one scheduled to arrive in 2015.

Dolphin has been used for classified long-range missions. Officials said the submarine could stay for weeks under the water, enabling reconnaissance and other missions in the Gulf.

“The threats posed by Iran and other Islamist groups oblige us to become stronger,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

  Dolphin Mk-2 electric-diesel submarine, Germany subsidizes sale to Israel of world’s most advanced non-nuclear submarine, ThyssenKrupp Systems, Vice Adm. Ram Rothberg