Israel Receives New Submarine, IDF Chief Warns Iran

The Israeli Navy officially received its new submarine, INS Drakon, in a ceremony held in Haifa. The event was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, Commander of the Navy Vice Adm. Alex Marom, Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav, and other senior defense officials and industry representatives, including Oliver Burkhardt, CEO of Germany's TKMS, which built the submarine.

During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Halevi stated that the acquisition of the INS Drakon is a key component of the IDF's multi-year "Choshen" plan, aimed at preparing the military and the Navy for multi-arena combat. He emphasized that the new vessel enhances naval operational capabilities, allowing for greater stealth, longer-range operations, and increased power.

Halevi also highlighted the strategic defense relationship between Israel and Germany, noting the submarine's construction in German shipyards and a prior agreement for Germany to purchase the Arrow missile defense system. He thanked German defense representatives and the shipyard for their ongoing partnership.

Addressing the current security landscape, the IDF Chief of Staff reviewed military operations over the past three years, stating that the IDF is engaged in simultaneous overt and covert operations against Iran and its proxies. Despite significant damage to enemy capabilities and the elimination of senior operatives, Halevi warned that threats persist on land and sea, necessitating continued force expansion and the acquisition of advanced technological platforms.

Concluding his remarks, Halevi entrusted the operational responsibility of the INS Drakon to the sailors and commanders of Flotilla 7, emphasizing its role in complementing Israel's air, land, space, and sea capabilities.