New Israeli Submarine 'Dragon' Arrives, Navy Reveals Covert Red Sea Operations

The Israeli Navy's sixth submarine, INS 'Dragon', entered Israeli territorial waters on Wednesday, completing a 25-day voyage from German shipyards. The submarine made its journey from the Strait of Gibraltar to Haifa submerged and covertly. Its construction, spanning over 12 years, faced delays due to a European arms embargo, with Norway and Denmark refusing docking rights and France and Canada withholding components, forcing Germany to use Israeli-made parts.

The European boycott also continues to impede the future 'Dakar' class submarine project for the IDF. The 'Dragon' is approximately 30% larger than older Dolphin-class submarines, exceeding 70 meters in length. It features an advanced hydrogen-based propulsion system, enabling extended underwater stealth operations without needing to surface for air.

The submarine is expected to become operational in about two months, following the integration of additional Israeli systems. Concurrently, the Navy disclosed that since October 7, its vessels have conducted covert operations up to 3,000 kilometers from Israel, with missile ships and submarines operating undetected off enemy coastlines, including Iran and Yemen, for extended periods to gather intelligence.

Amid concerns over Houthi control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a senior officer stressed the critical importance of maritime passage and proactive operations to prevent adversaries from imposing naval blockades. In response to escalating challenges, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has designated the Navy as a strategic arm alongside the Air Force, capable of striking distant theaters.

The Navy acknowledges its current fleet size is insufficient for future missions and is formulating an extensive expansion plan. This plan includes acquiring semi-autonomous, AI-based vessels, unmanned surface and underwater craft, and procuring two additional submarines, the seventh and eighth, to join the fleet.