New Submarine 'Drakon' Arrives, Bolstering Israeli Naval Power

The Israeli Navy is preparing to receive its sixth submarine, the INS Drakon, a vessel described as a significant 'force multiplier' for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Retired Brigadier General Erez Wiener, who was involved in the procurement process, stated that this new submarine is distinct from its predecessors and specifically tailored to Israel's strategic needs. He emphasized that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to acquire a sixth submarine was driven by long-term strategic vision, not political considerations.

The INS Drakon, upon its arrival, will join Israel's submarine fleet as one of the most advanced and classified combat systems in the Navy. Its operational capabilities are expected to significantly extend Israel's reach in distant theaters, from the Red Sea to Iran. Wiener highlighted that submarines perform a wide array of classified missions, including intelligence gathering and providing fire support in distant areas, often operating for extended periods near enemy coastlines, especially since the start of the current war.

Wiener explained that the addition of a sixth submarine is crucial not just for increasing numbers, but for operational availability. Submarines require rigorous maintenance and cannot afford errors at sea, meaning not all submarines are always mission-ready. A sixth vessel substantially increases the overall operational readiness of the submarine fleet. He also noted that while the INS Drakon belongs to the same class as previous submarines, it incorporates unique Israeli-developed technologies and upgrades integrated during its construction over many years.

Addressing the submarine procurement affair, Wiener asserted that the decision for the sixth submarine was a necessary strategic one, refuting claims of impropriety or economic interests. He argued that failing to plan for replacements, given the decade-long construction time and 20-year lifespan of submarines, would lead to a critical capability gap. Netanyahu's insistence on advancing the procurement, even when not initially in the IDF's multi-year plan, demonstrated his foresight regarding Israel's security needs.

Wiener compared the customization of the submarine to Israel's unique F-35I fighter jet, stating it has an 'Israeli signature' tailored to specific threats. While declining to detail specific operational capabilities, he alluded to past partial disclosures of submarine missions, such as intelligence gathering, special forces insertion, and covert operations deep within enemy territory. He concluded that maintaining an element of the unknown regarding Israeli submarine capabilities is integral to the nation's deterrence power.