Israel Receives Sixth Dolphin-Class Submarine 'Dragon' From Germany

Israel announced Tuesday evening that its sixth Dolphin-class submarine, named "Dragon," has departed Germany and is en route to the country, marking the completion of joint planning and construction. The submarine is the third and final vessel in the AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) series acquired by the Israeli Ministry of Defense for the Navy.

The departure ceremony took place at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel, Germany, and was attended by the commander of the Israeli Navy, Eyal Har-El, other defense officials, the Israeli ambassador to Berlin, and the German naval commander. The "Dragon" submarine is equipped with advanced technologies intended to enhance Israel's military capabilities and the Navy's operational flexibility for years to come.

Commander Har-El stated that the submarine's journey represents the culmination of years of development and innovation. He highlighted its enhanced capabilities, including extended operational range, longer mission endurance, and significant operational power. Har-El concluded by emphasizing the crucial role of the submarine's highly trained crew, who will operate "in secrecy and darkness and silence far from the country," bearing the responsibility for critical decisions.