The GAL submarines are small and sophisticated. Their small dimensions make if hard for enemies to detect them. These subs went through a series of modernization and modification programs in the late 80's, which would enable effective operation of the subs well into the 21st century. It is likely that they will be replaced by the Dolphin time at some stage, as even the best submarine hulls only resist metal fatigue for so long.

The Gal submarine was a co-production of Germany, Great Britain and Israel. Based on a German 206A type submarine, Israeli marine officers and engineers have added their input and experience to the final models.. For political reasons the three submarines were built by Vickers at Barrow in Furness. The Israel Navy has been operating the "GAL" type submarines since the late 70s. Although the blueprints are German, they are sufficiently unique in terms of different systems to be regarded as their own type, rather than a simple clone of a 206A.

These subs went through a series of modernization and modification programs in the late 80's, which would enable effective operation of the subs well into the 21st century. Their exact armament and equipment is an official secret, although some details have been publicly released. It is likely that they are capable to carry some kind of cruise missile just as UK submarines have been upgraded to do so in the same time period.

The three examples are the new Tanin and Rahav, and the first one was called a completely new name for a submarine, INS Gal. The Gal subs were built according to the needs of Israel's marine battlefield. They had a crew of 23. Although small in size, the Gal subs were equipped with the most modern equipment and weapons for the time.

The Gal submarines played an important part in the 1982 Lebanon war. During 1983 UGM-84 Harpoon and its associated fire-control equipment was installed in all the boats, with new NT 37E torpedoes replacing the older Mk 37 models in 1987-88. All boats were extensively overhauled in 1994-95, including improved sensors and fire control system.

The first-of-class INS Dolphin Class submarine was commissioned in 1999, INS Leviathan and INS Tekuma in 2000. The mission of the submarines is to carry out interdiction and surveillance operations and special missions. They Dolphins will eventually replace the Gal Class submarines, which entered service in 1977.

The fact the Israel was involved in an on going war against terror, caused that the submarines were used in ways and in frequency that no other submarine in the world is used. The necessity of a modern submarine force was proven again and again. At the beginning of the 80s, a new submarine began to be conceived, The Dolphin. 

At the end of the 20th century and at the threshold of a third millennium, the Gal submarines are more than 20 years old. They have done their share with honor and glory. They are scarred and beaten, but at the same time proud and respected. Although the 3 modern Dolphin class submarine have already arrived, the Gals will remain on strength with the Israeli Navy well into the twenty first century.

General Characteristics:
Small sonar cross section .
Shallow water operation.
Deep periscopic depth.
Very low noise level signature.
Multi purpose torpedo tubes (torpedoes, missiles,  mines…)
Small Crew size (23).
Simple to operate.
Long submergence endurance.
Upgraded and backed by IN. Know-how.
Land Based Training and simulation facilities.
Manufactured by Vickers Ltd., at Barrow-in-Furness, U.K.

Dimensions:
Overall Length 48.5M
Pressure Hull Length 32M
Pressure Hull Diameter 4.8M
Overall Height 8.8M

Displacement:
Surface Displacement 540 tons
Submerged Displacement 600 tons

Speed:
Snorkeling Speed 9 knots (Max)
Surface Speed 11 knots (Max)
Submerged Speed 17 knots (Max)

Operational Ranges:
At 6 Knots SOA 2,500 N.M.
At 11 Knots SOA 1,800 N.M.

Indiscreation Rate:
At 6 Knots SOA 30%

Endurance:
80% discharge at max. speed 45 minutes
80% discharge at 3.5 knots 30 hours
 

Propulsion & Electric System:
1 Propulsion Motor - 1320 kw at 290 rpm · Double armature, electrical and mechanically separated
2 Diesel Generator Sets · MTU 12V 493 AZ 80  Output power - 405 kw each
3 Battery Sets - 120 cells each

Damage Control:
Fire Extinguishing System
Hydrazine System for Emergency Surfacing

Weapon Systems:
Weapon Control Systems
8 Multi purpose Tubes (21 inch)
Swim-out torpedoes
Space for 2 reloads per tube

Detection:
Atlas Electronic C.S.U - 3 - Passive Panoramic Sonar
Atlas Electronic IC-80 - Intercept Sonar
EDO

Navigation:
Kelvin 1006 I Band Radar
Magnavox Submarine Type - SatNav System
G.P.S Receiver
Litef PL - 41 Platform
Backup Anschutz 6 Gyro
EM log

Communication:
HF, VHF, HVHF, UHF & underwater Transceivers.

Periscopes:
Kollmorgen Type 901-
Double Ocular Attack Periscope Locally Operated
Kollmorgen Type 902-
Double Ocular Search Periscope (Optic, Video Etc.)

Accommodations:
Entire vessel is air-conditioned.
Captain, officers and crew have separate quarters.
Fully equipped galley, cooking and refrigeration.
Wash-basin and toilets.