Israel is looking to upgrade its naval capabilities – both its surface and underwater forces – the website DefenseNews reported Tuesday.

The Israel Navy is finalizing plans to integrate a fifth Dolphin-class submarine and a new fleet of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) into its operational force structure in the first few months of the coming year.

By mid-2015, the service expects to receive INS Rahav, the fifth of six nuclear-capable submarines built by Germany’s Thyssen-Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS) shipyard and partially funded by Berlin.

The goal, according to DefenseNews is to have properly trained personnel and necessary infrastructure in place “to protect, preserve and maintain” the boat when it arrives next year.

Israel also plans to deploy three domestically produced Protector class USVs by the middle of next year. The Protector is manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., a state-owned company. DefenseNews describes the Protectors as having ” a remote weapon station and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.” Two Protectors are operational and a third is still undergoing testing.

According to Rear Adm. Dror Friedman, vice chief naval officer, the Protectors will be “incorporated into our force for coastal defense and also for the subject of offshore energy sites. “Their added value is the ability to remain at sea for prolonged periods and to go to places that are particularly dangerous.”

[Photo: Ilan Rom / WikiCommons ]