TEL AVIV (Realist English). Israel’s defence establishment is considering the possibility of acquiring specialised anti‑submarine warfare aircraft.
According to the Walla news portal, the IDF military leadership intends to strengthen control over the underwater environment in the Eastern Mediterranean, which is considered one of the most vulnerable areas for the country’s security.
As political scientist Alexander Tsinker, Director of the Institute of Eastern European and CIS Studies (ICES), noted in his Telegram channel, the issue is not merely about maritime patrols.
“Such aircraft must constantly monitor the area around gas platforms and key Israeli maritime communications, detecting and tracking submarines while still at a distance,” the expert writes.
In his view, the Turkish factor is hard to ignore in this context. “Ankara is consistently expanding its submarine fleet and increasingly demonstrating claims to a special role in the Eastern Mediterranean. Until recently, Israel preferred not to turn this rivalry into open military confrontation. But ignoring the changing balance of power at sea is no longer possible,” Dr Tsinker emphasises.
The final choice of platform — the heavy American P‑8 Poseidon or a more economical business‑jet‑based aircraft with Israeli avionics — will depend on cost and delivery timelines. No decision has been made yet.
However, the very fact of such discussions, in the political scientist’s view, is telling: “Israel is beginning to prepare for the fact that Erdogan’s ambitions will have to be restrained not only through diplomacy.”
Naval Confrontation Between Israel and Turkey
The discussion about acquiring anti‑submarine aircraft comes amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Israel and Turkey, which has been steadily increasing its naval presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Turkish Navy is considered one of the largest and most powerful in the Middle East and among NATO members. It operates more than 10 active diesel‑electric submarines.
Under the programme to build six Reis‑class submarines (Type 214 project), the third boat — TCG Murat Reis — is scheduled to enter service in 2026, with delivery of all six submarines expected to be completed by 2029.
In April 2026, Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler also announced the start of work on designing a nuclear‑powered submarine.
During the large‑scale Denizkurdu‑II/2026 exercises, held in the Black, Aegean, and Eastern Mediterranean Seas with the participation of 125 ships and 60 aircraft, the Turkish navy practised, among other things, the launch of the AKYA heavy torpedo.
Israel, for its part, currently uses the “Oron” reconnaissance aircraft, which provides strategic intelligence and coordination between the Israeli Air Force, military intelligence, the navy, and the defence ministry. However, according to sources, Israel’s current anti‑submarine capabilities, while of a high standard, may require reinforcement.
The main obstacle to acquiring the P‑8 Poseidon remains its high cost. The likelihood of purchase could increase only if the delivery is included in a broader agreement between Israel and the US administration.
Turkish rhetoric towards Israel has become increasingly harsh. Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli warned of a growing threat from Turkey, stating that “direct contact with the Turkish army at sea” is not an impossible scenario and “could happen as early as tomorrow morning.”
Previously, Turkey had threatened to escort one of the protest flotillas to the Gaza Strip with missile boats. That plan was cancelled after massive diplomatic pressure from Israel and the United States.
However, as The Jerusalem Post notes, Israel now treats any issue related to the Turkish army with particular sensitivity, given that Turkey is a NATO member with which there had previously been extensive cooperation.
