New Dolphin-Class Submarine INS Drakon Arrives in Israel

The INS Drakon, Israel's newest Dolphin-class submarine, has arrived in Haifa after a journey from Germany. This marks the final stage of a project that began in the late 1980s, introducing advanced capabilities to the Israeli Navy's 7th Flotilla. The submarine's arrival is the culmination of decades of cooperation between Israel and Germany on submarine development, building upon the existing Dolphin-class fleet.

According to Lt. Col. A., head of submarines in the Navy's Technology and Logistics Division, the process involved not only building the submarine but also creating the necessary support infrastructure, including specialized crews and docking facilities. The INS Drakon required modifications to its structure to ensure it could enter its base and undergo the integration process smoothly. Technological preparations were also made to incorporate its new systems.

The INS Drakon is the sixth submarine in Israel's fleet and the third and final in the latest Dolphin generation. A key advancement is its air-independent propulsion system, allowing for extended submerged operations. Lt. Col. A. highlighted that the submarine incorporates numerous innovations, emphasizing the need for expertise in its operation and maintenance.

During its weeks-long voyage from Germany, the submarine's crew passed over the site where the INS Dakar sank, holding a memorial ceremony for the 69 crew members lost. Lt. Col. A. noted the symbolic connection, even in the naming of the INS Drakon, to the memory of fallen submariners.

The INS Drakon will undergo a rapid integration process, aiming to become operational within weeks. Concurrently, planning for the next generation of submarines, the 'Dakar' project, is underway in Germany, set to serve the fleet in the coming decades.