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Israeli security officials have recommended expanding the country's submarine fleet to eight vessels, citing the strength of the Turkish Naval Forces, which currently operates at least 14 operational submarines and is expected to increase that number to 18 in the coming years, according to a report by Israeli Army Radio.
The report said Israel is closely monitoring Türkiye's growing submarine capabilities and has responded by moving to expand its own fleet with "new and advanced technology" vessels built in Germany.
According to the report, Israel currently operates five submarines, with a sixth expected to arrive in the country soon.
Israeli defense officials have presented the recommendation to expand the submarine fleet to eight vessels to the country's political leadership, according to the report.
Under Israel's most recent agreement with Germany, Tel Aviv holds an option to purchase a seventh submarine at the same price, though that option has not yet been exercised.
The report said defense officials favor first exercising that option before a price increase takes effect, and subsequently pursuing an eighth submarine.
The report also referenced ongoing debate within Israel over submarine crew staffing levels, noting the matter has not yet undergone a formal review at the level of the Israeli army's General Staff.
Senior Israeli defense sources told Army Radio that the submarine acquisition push cannot proceed before October's elections and is expected to be taken up by the incoming government.
Israel's navy, based in Haifa, currently operates five Dolphin-class diesel-electric submarines, all designed and built by Germany's Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW).
A sixth vessel, the INS Drakon, is en route to Israel following a send-off ceremony in late August attended by Israeli Navy chief Vice Adm. Eyal Harel and German Navy chief Vice Adm. Jan Christian Kaack. Each submarine costs roughly €1 billion.
Israel's defense establishment initially believed five submarines were sufficient, later revised that assessment to six, and has now shifted further amid what it described as the changed security reality following Oct. 7 and the "development of the Turkish threat."
Officials emphasized that any fleet expansion should involve replacing older vessels rather than simply increasing the total number.
The Dolphin-class submarines have long been the subject of foreign reports suggesting they have been adapted to carry nuclear-capable cruise missiles as part of Israel's alleged sea-based nuclear deterrent, though Israeli authorities have consistently declined to confirm such reports.
Türkiye has been advancing several domestic submarine programs in recent years.
The National Submarine project, known as MILDEN, is targeting completion and delivery to the Turkish Naval Forces in 2032, according to ASFAT General Manager Mustafa Ilbas, who displayed the project's first test block at Teknofest Blue Homeland in August.
The submarine is planned to measure more than 80 meters in length, with a displacement of roughly 2,700 tons and mission endurance exceeding 50 days, featuring a hybrid air-independent propulsion system that combines conventional engines with hydrogen-based power.
Turkish steelmaker Erdemir is producing the HY-80 and HY-100 grade steel for MILDEN, making Türkiye one of only five countries worldwide capable of producing that grade.
Defense technology firm Havelsan is developing an AI-powered combat system for the submarine, integrating its ADVENT MUREN operational intelligence platform to manage sensors, weapons, and other onboard systems, along with fire control systems for the domestically developed ATMACA cruise missile and AKYA torpedo.
Türkiye separately unveiled its first domestically built mini-submarine at the SAHA Expo defense exhibition and has previously showcased its nuclear submarine project under the name "NUKDEN" at a naval conference, signaling a broader ambition to expand its underwater capabilities across multiple platforms.
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