Israel Navy Welcomes Sixth Submarine, INS Drakon, to Haifa Base

The Israeli Navy's newest submarine, INS "Drakon," arrived in Israel and docked at the naval base in Haifa earlier today, concluding a month-long journey of thousands of kilometers from Germany. This vessel marks the sixth submarine in the Israeli Navy's fleet and the third of the "Dolphin AIP" class, completing the second generation of German-built Israeli submarines. The construction of the INS "Drakon" spanned over 12 years, followed by months of trials and preparations before its transfer to Israel. For the past two years, Israeli crews were stationed in Germany, conducting voyages, examinations, and system tests on the submarine.

The INS "Drakon" measures over 70 meters in length, making it approximately 30% larger than previous "Dolphin" class submarines. It is equipped with an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which allows for energy generation and battery charging during extended underwater missions without needing to surface or use external air. This system utilizes oxygen and hydrogen, significantly extending the submarine's covert operational time submerged. The Navy states that the submarine integrates advanced technological systems, enhancing the Navy's operational capabilities for deep-sea missions and in distant theaters.

The Israeli military considers the addition of the INS "Drakon" a significant enhancement to its military strength. The submarine's journey to Israel was delayed by several months because Denmark and Norway denied it passage through their territories, despite it sailing under a German flag. The Navy indicated this delay also impacts the next submarine project. The INS "Drakon" is expected to undergo a two to three-month training and operationalization process in Israel before being fully integrated into the fleet.

Israel's involvement in the submarine project has spanned approximately 20 years, managed by an Israeli directorate in Germany, with officers and engineers overseeing the design, construction, and testing phases.