Israel's Sixth Submarine, INS Drakon, Departs Germany for Home

Israel's sixth submarine, the INS "Drakon," has begun its voyage to Israel from Germany after a send-off ceremony at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel. The INS "Drakon" is the third and final Dolphin-class AIP submarine acquired by the Ministry of Defense for the Navy. The submarine incorporates advanced technologies intended to place Israel at the forefront of global military technology and enhance the Navy's operational flexibility for years to come.

According to the Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Eyal Harel, the submarine offers expanded operational range, extended mission endurance, and significant operational power. He stated that the INS "Drakon," along with the three upcoming Dakar-class submarines, will be central to the future of the Submarine Flotilla, the Navy, and the IDF. The send-off ceremony was attended by senior Israeli defense officials, including Navy Commander Vice Admiral Eyal Harel, Head of the Equipment Branch Rear Admiral Amir Chomsky, and Ministry of Defense Director General of Procurement Zev Landau, as well as the Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor and German Navy representatives.

The departure of the submarine was secured by a large-scale security operation led by the Ministry of Defense's Security Division in cooperation with German security forces. Upon arrival in Israel, a state ceremony will be held at the Haifa base. Zev Landau described the submarine as the "most advanced and complex weapon system in the IDF," highlighting the close cooperation between Germany and Israel in its construction. He also noted the evolving strategic partnership between the two nations, with discussions underway for future joint development and production projects.

Israeli Ambassador to Berlin Ron Prosor called the submarine's delivery "testament to the depth of the strategic partnership" between Jerusalem and Berlin. TKMS CEO Oliver Bückhard affirmed the successful completion of the complex project, characterized by trust and shared responsibility. The INS "Drakon" will be operated by highly trained crews who will conduct covert missions, emphasizing the critical and often solitary decision-making responsibilities of the Israeli submarine service.