Israel Welcomes New Submarine, Sends Overt Warning to Iran

Israel has officially received its sixth and newest submarine, INS Drakon, which is now en route to the country. The submarine's journey was expedited to ensure its operational readiness as quickly as possible. Due to shallow waters along its route, including the Kiel and English Channels, the initial part of the voyage was conducted on the surface under security escort before the submarine submerged for covert transit.

The INS Drakon is longer than its predecessors and equipped with advanced weaponry, integrating foreign technologies with specialized Israeli developments to maintain the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) relative advantage. Its electric propulsion system, which converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, allows for extended, completely silent underwater operations without surfacing. Upon reaching operational capability, the INS Drakon will be able to engage in offensive and defensive operations in any theater, including against Iran and the Houthis in Yemen, and will work closely with the naval commando unit Shayetet 13.

This naval upgrade is considered crucial given the escalating regional threats. Israel's defense establishment views the Turkish navy, the second-largest in NATO, as a significant regional threat. Israel's strategy to counter numerical disadvantages against foreign navies relies on distinct technological superiority and the quality of its personnel. The submarine's crew consists of 50 carefully selected sailors for a demanding service that includes prolonged isolation from technology at sea and early commitment to extended service.

The addition of the INS Drakon brings Israel's submarine fleet to six vessels. However, due to the complexity of maintenance and repairs at naval shipyards, not all submarines can be operational simultaneously, requiring careful mission prioritization. Looking ahead, Israel is preparing to receive three new Dolphin 2-class submarines between 2031 and 2032, with one vessel arriving annually. These future submarines will replace older ones, not increase the total number, with the first slated to replace the INS Dolphin.

President Isaac Herzog highlighted that the INS Drakon significantly enhances Israel's power and extends its strategic reach thousands of kilometers beyond its borders. He noted the historical symbolism of cooperation with Germany, occurring 81 years after the Holocaust, where Israel imports submarines while exporting technologies that protect Europe. Herzog emphasized that despite technological advancements, the human element remains decisive in warfare.

Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a direct warning to Tehran, stating that distance offers no immunity in any theater. He asserted that beyond the IDF's visible strength, Israel possesses lethal and covert strategic capabilities deep underwater. Katz referenced the war's achievements, including thwarting Iran's nuclear program and eliminating its leaders, and praised the Navy's growing role. He concluded by stressing national unity in the spirit of the Sukkot holiday.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir described the transition from the October 7th failures to unprecedented multi-arena victories, including eliminating senior figures and clearing enemy territories. He acknowledged Iran remains a threat despite recent setbacks and stated that the submarine's arrival, after 14 years of development, makes the Navy a more potent, covert, and long-range strategic arm. Zamir thanked Germany for its mutual defense alliance and entrusted the security of Israel to the sailors of Submarine Flotilla 7.