The INS Tanin, the newest addition to the Israel Navy's submarine fleet, set out for Israel from the shipyard in Kiel, northern Germany and is expected to arrive in approximately two weeks.

A senior Navy commander said the INS Tanin is equipped with an AIP (air-independent propulsion) system that allows it to remain underwater for longer, thus improving its capabilities to conduct covert missions. In addition, the new submarine is equipped with advanced sonar systems and improved defensive capabilities.

The Dolphin-class vessel - which will bring the number of submarines in the Israeli fleet to four - embarked on its 4,000-nautical-mile journey to Israel a few days ago. When it reaches a distance of 270 nautical miles from Haifa port, it will make a stop where the Dakar submarine sank in 1968, and a memorial service will be held.

According to reports in foreign media, the German-made submarines can carry cruise missiles with a range of thousands of kilometers, and can be equipped with nuclear warheads. According to these reports, the Israeli submarine fleet is meant to allow for a "second strike" in the event of a nuclear attack.

A fifth submarine, Rahav, is expected to join the Israel Navy in approximately six months, while a sixth submarine, estimated to cost about 400 million euro, will arrive in 2019.