New Dolphin-Class Submarine 'Dragon' Arrives in Israel Amid European Embargo

The Israeli Navy's sixth Dolphin-class submarine, INS 'Dragon', has arrived in Israeli territorial waters after a 25-day journey from German shipyards. The submarine traveled mostly submerged and covertly through the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea.

Its arrival occurs amidst a quiet arms embargo imposed by Denmark, Norway, France, and Canada, who have refused docking rights or component supplies. This embargo continues to delay the construction of the next 'Dakar'-class submarine series.

Concurrently, the Navy revealed that during the recent conflict, naval forces, including missile ships and submarines, operated off enemy coastlines in the Red Sea, approximately 3,000 kilometers from Israel. These forces remained undetected in the area for weeks.

Against the backdrop of Houthi threats in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, which led to the closure of Eilat port, defense officials are warning of potential maritime blockade attempts. They emphasize the need to develop an active capability to open straits during emergencies.

Following the Chief of Staff's designation of the Navy as a 'strategic arm,' the service will present an extensive armament plan in the coming months. This plan includes acquiring two additional submarines (seventh and eighth), equipping with AI-based semi-autonomous vessels, and integrating manned and unmanned underwater and surface assets to expand intelligence gathering and attack capabilities in distant theaters.