Israel Bolsters Naval Strength with Advanced Submarine INS Drakon

Israel has recently expanded its naval fleet with the addition of its most advanced submarine, the INS Drakon, built by Germany. This development occurs amid growing regional threats.

The INS Drakon, belonging to the Dolphin AIP class, greatly enhances Israel’s underwater strike and reconnaissance capabilities. It is equipped with advanced technologies that extend the range of Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) operations.

German firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) constructed the vessel specifically for the Israeli Navy. Defense experts highlight its role in providing a crucial deterrence and response capability, especially in the context of tensions with Iran.

Dr. Ehud Eilam, a national security expert, stresses the importance of maintaining a continuous submarine presence. He explains that if Israel faced a significant attack, submarines at sea could respond effectively. This highlights the strategic advantage of always having vessels deployed.

The INS Drakon represents the sixth Dolphin-class vessel and the third modified version in Israel’s fleet. Delivered in late July from TKMS’s shipyard in Kiel, Germany, this 70-meter long submarine is the largest built in Germany since World War II, with a cost of $634 million.

The Dolphin-class fleet plays a critical role in Israel’s defense strategy, offering sea-based second-strike capabilities. According to TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard, the submarine program progresses as planned, including the delivery and integration into Israel’s naval operations.

Eilam points out that the new submarine reinforces Israel’s military reach in distant operational zones. The enhanced size and capabilities of INS Drakon suggest an ability to target enemies over greater distances, allowing submarines to strike from the Mediterranean Sea without nearing adversarial coastal waters.

The submarine’s name, INS Drakon, references a mythical sea creature, symbolizing power and strength. Its naming also carries historical significance, incorporating the legacy of the INS Dakar and its crew, as noted by the Ministry of Defense.