Germany finalizes sub sale to Israel

JERUSALEM, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Israel and Germany have finalized the sale of a sixth Dolphin-class submarine to the Israel navy, officials said.

The two governments agreed to the terms on the grounds that Germany would underwrite a portion of the cost. Christian Schmidt, German secretary of state for defense, told The Jerusalem Post the sale was a demonstration of Germany's commitment to Israel's security.

"The security of the State of Israel is a German concern and this will not change," Schmidt said.

Schmidt told the newspaper Germany is looking to increase defense cooperation with Israel.

Germany has already provided Israel three Dolphin-class submarines, two of which were donated after the First Gulf War. Israel and Germany split the cost of the third. All three carry cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads.