Israel Navy Receives Sixth Submarine, INS Drakon, After Delays
The Israeli Navy is set to receive its sixth submarine, the INS Drakon, which will dock in Israel on Thursday after a 25-day voyage from Germany. This new submarine, the sixth in the navy's fleet, boasts Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) capabilities, allowing for extended submerged operations. Its arrival was delayed for months due to an embargo imposed by Norway and Denmark.
The INS Drakon, measuring 74 meters long and weighing 2,600 tons, is a significant addition to Israel's strategic arm. Its deployment comes amid heightened regional tensions, particularly concerning Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring the growing importance of maritime security for Israel, as 98% of its trade passes through the sea.
The submarine departed from Kiel, Germany, on September 1st, covering approximately 3,792 nautical miles. The transit was complicated by Norway and Denmark's refusal to allow passage through their territories, despite the submarine sailing under the German flag. This embargo is expected to impact the timeline for future submarine projects.
The Israeli Navy is actively working to expand its fleet in response to the naval buildup by regional powers like Turkey and Egypt. Turkey is pursuing its "Blue Homeland" doctrine with a current fleet of 14 submarines and plans for 18, while Egypt operates eight and Greece has nine. To counter these threats, Israel is developing five new Reshef-class missile boats, incorporating advanced Israeli technology and artificial intelligence, scheduled for service in 2028.
In addition to the INS Drakon, three more Dakar-class submarines are slated to join the fleet in the future. The navy has also been operating in distant theaters, including extended missions near enemy coastlines in the Red Sea and off Yemen. The Chief of Staff has designated the navy as a strategic arm for long-range firepower and intelligence gathering. The submarine unit, comprising around 400 personnel, typically has two submarines at sea at any given time, and since October 7th, they have been active in new operational areas.
