Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — The Israeli military said the Navy has concluded a curriculum for advanced submarine training.

The military said the course, which would use digital simulators, was meant to prepare Navy crews for the new Dolphin-class submarines from Germany.

“These new submarines have new systems and therefore new capabilities,” the Navy school commander, identified only as Maj. Y., said. “Among these are greater stealth and the ability to stay longer under the water.”

The Navy course also focused on operating the control panel and sonar. In 2014, the navy was expected to introduce two Dolphin submarines, meant to resemble the Type 214 platform of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

Officials said the navy would be required to adapt to the air-independent propulsion technology of the new German submarines. The technology, which reduces noise, was designed to enable the vessels to stay underwater longer.

“With the introduction of these submarines into the fleet, submariner recruits will now undergo a new training regimen,” the military said on April 6. “Graduates of the IDF’s submariners course are about to receive a more advanced training regimen to keep up with the evolution of IDF submarine capabilities.”

Officials said the cadets in the current submarine course would be the
first to complete training for the new Dolphins. They said the platforms,
with enhanced detection, was designed for greater maneuverability.

“These submarines are larger than previous ones,” Maj. Y. said. “In the
event of a clash with strong water currents, the new steering station is
designed to allow them to move more easily.”

As a result, veteran submarine crews would be required to take another
training course. The crews would include those who received instruction in
Germany.

“Obviously the goal of the training is to be relevant to the reality in
the field,” the navy school commander said.

  IDF, Israeli Navy training crews for new Dolphin-class subs, submarine training, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems