New Israeli Dolphin-Class Submarine 'Dragon' Arrives This Week

Israel's newest Dolphin-class submarine, INS 'Dragon', is expected to arrive in Israel this week, according to a report by Kan News on Saturday evening. The submarine departed from a shipyard in Germany three weeks ago.

The INS 'Dragon' is the sixth submarine in Israel's fleet and the third in the Dolphin AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) series. This advanced type of submarine allows for extended underwater missions without needing to surface for air.

The submarine's journey from Germany to the Mediterranean Sea was conducted under heavy security. Its departure from Germany and subsequent transit through the Mediterranean were carried out with extreme secrecy due to the presence of nations like Turkey, Russia, and China, which might attempt to intercept or gather intelligence on the vessel.

While Israel has never officially confirmed the advanced armaments of its submarines, foreign reports suggest they possess the capability to carry nuclear weapons, referred to as 'the Samson Option,' for use in a scenario of existential threat to the state.

Upon its arrival in Haifa this week, a formal ceremony will be held at the naval base. The article also briefly mentions a change at Ramon Airbase and a new restriction on refueling aircraft, as well as the final dismissal of the Gaza Division's operations officer from the IDF for events on October 7.