New 'Dragon' Submarine Departs Germany for Israel

The Israeli Navy's newest submarine, the INS "Dragon," has departed Germany for Israel after years of preparation and anticipation. The vessel, the largest of its kind built for Israel to date, is expected to become the sixth submarine in the Israeli fleet, significantly expanding its operational capabilities.

The "Dragon" was ordered in 2011 and built by TKMS shipyards in Kiel, Germany. It underwent a lengthy construction, testing, and crew training process. A ceremony marking its official naming took place in November 2024, and it was formally accepted into service by the Israeli Navy just yesterday, under heavy security at the German shipyard. The Ministry of Defense has described it as a strategic asset equipped with advanced technology to ensure Israel's security and superiority, even in distant theaters.

This submarine is the third and final Dolphin-class vessel with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology built for Israel. The AIP system allows the submarine to remain submerged for extended periods without needing to surface for diesel engine operation and battery charging, a crucial advantage for long-range covert missions. While many operational details remain classified, it is understood to extend Israel's operational reach.

The "Dragon" is the largest Dolphin-class submarine Germany has supplied to Israel, costing approximately 700 million euros, with Germany funding about one-third of the cost. Its name also honors the legacy of the INS Dakar, a previous Israeli submarine lost at sea. The submarine is expected to join the submarine flotilla at the naval base in Haifa.

Its arrival coincides with a broader expansion of the submarine fleet. In November 2024, the construction of the first submarine in the future "Dakar" class also began in Germany. Israel has ordered three of these next-generation submarines, intended to eventually replace the oldest Dolphin-class vessels, with deliveries expected to start in the early 2030s.