Israel's New 'Dragon' Submarine Departs Germany for Home

The INS 'Dragon', Israel's sixth submarine and the third and final Dolphin-class AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) submarine acquired by the Ministry of Defense, departed from the TKMS shipyard in Kiel, Germany on Monday. After years of planning, development, and construction, the submarine has begun its voyage to Israel, where it will join the Israeli Navy's submarine fleet. The INS 'Dragon' incorporates advanced technologies designed to enhance the navy's operational flexibility and capabilities, according to the IDF and Ministry of Defense.

The departure ceremony in Kiel was attended by senior officials from both countries, including Israeli Navy Commander Vice Admiral Eyal Harel, Head of the Equipment Branch Rear Admiral Amir Chemni, Head of the Defense Procurement Administration at the Ministry of Defense Ze'ev Landau, Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor, and the German Navy Commander. Vice Admiral Harel described the submarine as the 'future submarine' for the navy, the IDF, and the State of Israel, noting that it, along with the future 'Dakar'-class submarines, will form the core of Israel's submarine force in the coming years, offering extended operational range and endurance.

Ze'ev Landau called the INS 'Dragon' the 'most advanced and complex weapon system in the IDF,' highlighting the long-standing cooperation between Israel and Germany in its development. He also mentioned ongoing discussions between the two nations regarding future defense projects and expanded collaboration in development and production. Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor emphasized the departure as a testament to the 'depth of the strategic partnership between Jerusalem and Berlin.'

TKMS CEO Oliver Bückhard stated that the submarine's departure marks the culmination of a complex, multi-year program and indicated that maritime cooperation between Israel and Germany is expected to continue with the construction of the future 'Dakar'-class submarines. The INS 'Dragon's' journey to Israel was secured by a large-scale security operation involving the Ministry of Defense's security division and German security forces. A state ceremony is expected upon its arrival at the Haifa naval base.