Norway bans tests of Israel-bound subs in its waters

Norwegian media report that Oslo officials have refused to allow German company to test Dolphin class submarines destined for Israeli navy.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
The Dolphin Submarine. (photo credit: IDF)
The Dolphin Submarine.
(photo credit: IDF)
Norway has refused to allow Germany to test new submarines it is selling to Israel in its territorial waters, according to Norwegian media reports this week.
The Dolphin-class submarines, built by the German company HDW in the port city of Kiel, were supposed to undergo several tests in the waters off the Norwegian coast before being transferred into the hands of the Israeli navy.
RELATED:First German-Israeli cabinet set to meetChavez expected to discuss arms deals in MoscowIt was not clear at the time of this report whether the testing ban would delay the transfer of the submarines into Israeli hands.
In May, the Sunday Times reported that Israel is planning to permanently station a submarine carrying missiles with nuclear warheads in the Persian Gulf.
According to the report, Israeli submarines have visited the Gulf before, but it was decided in May that the Israeli navy should maintain a permanent presence of at least one of the vessels in the strategic region.
The article stated that the submarines are moving to the Persian Gulf in respone to the growing missile threat to Israel from Syria, Iran and Hizbullah


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