Israel Navy's Sixth Submarine Arrives Amid European Embargoes and Expansion Plans

The Israeli Navy's sixth submarine, INS Drakon, arrived in Israel on Wednesday after a 25-day journey from Germany, navigating much of the route submerged through the Kiel Canal, Strait of Gibraltar, and the Mediterranean Sea. The arrival comes amid significant delays in the submarine project, reportedly caused by European embargoes imposed over the past two years. Denmark and Norway allegedly denied the submarine access to their ports for testing dives, while Canada and France restricted the sale of systems to Germany for the vessel destined for Israel. These delays are also impacting the next submarine project, the Dakar class, with defense officials reportedly pushing for the acquisition of two additional submarines, the seventh and eighth, due to the naval buildup of regional adversaries. Military intelligence believes six submarines will be insufficient for the navy's needs.

Concurrently, the navy revealed covert operations conducted during the recent conflict far from Israeli shores. Naval vessels reportedly operated undetected for weeks in the Red Sea, near enemy coastlines, demonstrating a capability to remain in distant theaters for over two weeks to gather intelligence and strike targets if necessary. Some of these operations, including those involving submarines, took place approximately 3,000 kilometers from Israel. These developments occur against the backdrop of the Houthi threat in the Bab el-Mandeb strait and concerns over freedom of navigation for Israel. The IDF believes it needs the capability to operate in the region and ensure the strait remains open if a blockade is attempted.

The Israeli Navy is also formulating a broad expansion plan that includes acquiring more submarines, semi-autonomous vessels, and unmanned systems for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. The Chief of Staff has designated the navy as a crucial "strategic arm" for the IDF, alongside the Air Force.