Germany finalizes sub sale to Israel

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

The two governments signed a deal a few weeks ago that includes having Germany underwrite a portion of the cost, The Jerusalem Post reported Sunday. Christian Schmidt, German secretary of state for defense, told the 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. Two more are under construction with delivery expected this year.