Israel has bolstered its naval capabilities with the recent arrival of its cutting-edge submarine, the most sophisticated and costly vessel it has acquired from Germany. This strategic addition comes as regional tensions continue to rise, as per reported sources.
The introduction of the INS Drakon is poised to dramatically enhance Israel’s naval warfare and intelligence-gathering potential under the sea, according to a report by The Algemeiner. Initially slated for delivery by 2025, the advanced warship’s arrival ahead of schedule marks a significant strategic step for the nation’s defense forces.
During its christening ceremony in Kiel in 2024, a statement highlighted that the INS Drakon belongs to the Dolphin AIP class and is outfitted with cutting-edge technologies. These innovations greatly extend the Israeli Defense Forces’ operational reach across multiple theaters of conflict.
Constructed by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the Israeli Navy, the submarine plays a crucial role in fortifying a sea-based defense strategy. In the current geopolitical climate involving the conflict with Iran, defense experts underscore its importance for deterrence and retaliatory measures.
Dr. Ehud Eilam, a renowned Israeli national security specialist and former defense ministry researcher, stressed to News Media the critical nature of sustaining a relentless underwater presence for Israel’s continued security and autonomy.
Israel has officially received the INS Drakon submarine from Germany, the most advanced and expensive submarine ever delivered to the Israeli Navy. (Reuters)
“Some of them would have to be at sea, on high alert, around the clock, if Iran suddenly attacked Israel in such a way that would cripple the IDF, including its strategic capabilities,” Eilam said.
“In such a drastic scenario, Israel’s submarine/s that would be at sea could respond,” he added.
“Israel’s other submarines might be in Haifa harbor at the time. They might be attacked and unable to operate. This demonstrates how important it is to always have submarines at sea.”
TKMS reportedly handed over the INS Drakon—the sixth Dolphin-class vessel and third modified Dolphin II-class submarine in Israel’s fleet—at its shipyard in Kiel, Germany, in late July.
Israeli military submarine near the coast of Haifa at the Mediterranean sea (REUTERS/Nir Elias)
Measuring more than 70 meters (230 feet) in length with a displacement exceeding 2,000 tons, the vessel is reported to be the largest submarine constructed in Germany since World War II, carrying an estimated price tag of $634 million, according to The Algemeiner.
According to Israeli outlet Ynet , Israel’s Dolphin-class fleet also provides the nation with a critical sea-based second-strike capability in its defense program.
“Everything is going according to plan with the new program for Israel,” TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard told Ynet Global.
“That also applies to the handover of the last boat of the previous series, including the homecoming in Israel,” he said of the expansive submarine program.
The INS Drakon’s arrival comes as Israel projects increasing military power across distant operational theaters, Eilam said.
Dolphin submarines were developed in Germany for Israel. (Amir Cohen/AFP via Getty Image)
“Israel has been acquiring submarines for several purposes. One of them is for deterrence and retribution, such as if Iran manages to develop nuclear weapons,” Eilam said before adding that “Israel has to be ready.”
While submarines on active deployment carry out intelligence and reconnaissance missions across the Mediterranean Sea, their primary objective remains readiness for “doomsday scenarios,” Eilam noted.
“Israel’s new submarine is bigger than others, which suggests Israel wants to have more options, such as increasing the range of the submarine’s missiles so they can reach every target in Iran, even if the Israeli submarine is in the Mediterranean Sea,” Eilam said.
“That way the submarine does not have to get closer to Iran, which requires crossing the Suez Canal, and this could be very risky, if not impossible in some situations,” he added. “The other alternative is to bypass all of Africa, which would take a long time.”
The new submarine was named INS Drakon (Dragon) — a mythical sea creature symbolizing strength, uniqueness and power — was chosen because it contains the Hebrew letters ד׳, ק׳, ר׳ (Dakar), thus commemorating the legacy of the submarine INS Dakar and its crew, the Ministry of Defense said.
News Media has reached out to the Israeli Navy, the Ministry of Defense, TKMS and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment.