Israel Receives Sixth German Submarine, 'Dragon'

Israel's Navy has received its sixth submarine, the 'Dragon,' completing a fleet expansion that officials say is crucial for fulfilling the submarine flotilla's missions. The acquisition of six submarines aligns precisely with the navy's operational needs, according to senior naval personnel, ensuring constant readiness with one submarine always undergoing maintenance while others are active. This number is considered the minimum required to counter regional naval power, such as Turkey's fleet of 14 submarines, with plans to expand to 18.

The 'Dragon' is an upgraded version of the Dolphin class, similar to the two acquired in 2014-2015, which can stay submerged for two weeks. The navy also operates three older Dolphin class submarines, acquired in the early 2000s, which were also built in Germany. Three larger 'Dagger' class submarines are slated for delivery between 2031 and 2034 to replace the oldest vessels.

Israel primarily purchases submarines from Germany rather than the United States. This preference stems from the fact that American submarines are exclusively nuclear-powered, making them vastly different in scale and cost. German shipyards, conversely, are accommodating of Israel's specific requirements, a stark contrast to past experiences with U.S. defense contractors who sometimes resisted the integration of Israeli-made systems on American platforms.

Historically, the submarine service was perceived as a secular bastion within the IDF. However, over the past 26 years, there has been a significant shift, with religious Zionist soldiers now comprising over 20% of the submarine crews. Initially, integrating religious soldiers posed challenges, particularly regarding kosher food preparation and prayer facilities. Today, however, the kitchens are kosher, and some submarines even house Torah scrolls, reflecting a notable change in the service's demographics and inclusivity.