Israel Navy Receives Advanced Dolphin-Class Submarine 'Dragon' After Nearly a Decade of Development

After nearly ten years of construction, the Israeli Navy has taken delivery of the new submarine named INS Dragon, which is currently undergoing sea trials in Germany. The submarine, costing approximately 550 million euros, is larger than its predecessors and equipped with advanced weaponry and enhanced intelligence and strike capabilities. The vessel is expected to arrive in Israel within a few weeks.

During the sea trials in German waters, the German Navy and special security units have been securing the operational area and the submarine's crew. Reports indicate that a Russian vessel was detected in an unusual area of the North Sea at the same time as the INS Dragon's test navigation, possibly attempting to collect acoustic signature data of the submarine via naval radar.

INS Dragon is considered the most expensive weapon system in the Israeli Defense Forces' arsenal, with its technical specifications kept highly classified. The delivery of this submarine marks a significant enhancement of Israel's naval capabilities, described by military officials as extending and strengthening the "long arm" of the Israeli Navy.