Israel Navy Needs Expansion Amid Regional Naval Buildup, Officials Say

Israel's defense establishment is calling for an expansion of the navy, citing the growing naval capabilities of regional powers like Turkey and Egypt, and deeming the current fleet "too small for future challenges." The call comes as Israel welcomed its sixth submarine, the INS Drakon, on Wednesday. The INS Drakon, the largest submarine ever delivered to Israel, is the third in the AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) class and took nearly 14 years to build. Its arrival was delayed by several months due to refusals from Ireland and Norway to train in its waters during the ongoing conflict. The submarine will require an additional two to three months for the installation of Israeli systems before becoming operational.

Defense officials are particularly concerned about Turkey's naval ambitions, noting its "Blue Homeland" doctrine which views the sea as a sovereign extension of the country. Israel estimates Turkey will possess 18 submarines in the future, with independent production capabilities. Additionally, Turkey is reportedly assisting the Syrian navy in its rearmament, creating a strategic challenge for Israel. Security sources believe there is still time for Israel to bolster its naval forces if the right steps are taken soon.

Operational recommendations include acquiring two more submarines, autonomous vessels, light missile boats, and other naval warfare equipment, alongside preparations for open-sea combat. In comparison, Israel currently has six submarines with three more on order to replace older models. Turkey has 12 submarines with six more on order, Greece has nine with four on order, and Egypt operates eight submarines.

A senior defense official also highlighted the significant threat posed by the potential blockade of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, warning that it could expose the Mediterranean Sea to future risks and lead to blockades against Israel. This type of asymmetric warfare, exemplified by the Houthi missile launches from Yemen, is difficult to counter effectively.

The INS Drakon, built in Germany as part of a long-standing defense cooperation between Israel and Germany, is equipped with an AIP system that allows for extended underwater operations without needing to surface or use external air. This system uses oxygen and hydrogen to generate energy, enabling longer covert missions. The submarine is over 70 meters long, about 30% larger than the Dolphin-class submarines, and represents the completion of the second generation of German-built submarines for the Israeli Navy.