German Government Greenlights Submarine Export to Israel

(MENAFN) The German government has approved the export of a new submarine to Israel, mere days after announcing a partial suspension of arms shipments to the Jewish state, a newspaper reported Wednesday from Berlin.

At an extraordinary general meeting last Friday, Thyssenkrupp’s board confirmed plans for the submarine delivery, according to Facing Finance, an umbrella group representing critical shareholders.

“The export license was made public on August 8, but we don't know exactly when it was granted,” Luca Schiewe of Facing Finance told the newspaper. During the main shareholders’ meeting, Schiewe was questioned about the submarine's current status.

When pressed at a government press briefing in Berlin, a spokesperson from the Economic Ministry declined to address this specific case.

“So, I can't really comment on individual cases here... in general, the federal government decides on the approval of arms exports on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the respective situation and careful examination of foreign and security policy considerations,” Daniel Greve said to reporters.

The submarine contract dates back to 2012, with the Federal Security Council giving final delivery approval in December 2023. However, the crucial export license from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) had yet to be issued—until now.

Facing Finance cites Thyssenkrupp management confirming the license has been secured and delivery is on track, though the company initially declined to respond to the newspaper’s media inquiries.

Earlier this month, the submarine, named "INS Drakon," was reportedly seen conducting sea trials near the Baltic Sea island of Rügen. This marks Israel’s sixth Dolphin-class submarine delivery.

The deal is valued at approximately €500 million ($585.8 million), with Germany subsidizing €135 million of Israel’s purchase.

This arms transaction is under Israeli judicial scrutiny, as an inquiry commission investigates the contract with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has testified in the ongoing "submarine affair."

A detailed probe by a German public broadcaster recently exposed potential conflicts of interest involving Netanyahu’s close circle linked to the TKMS arms deal.

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