Israel Receives Advanced Dolphin II Submarine 'Dragon' From Germany Enhancing Strategic Deterrence Against Iran

Israel has taken delivery of the Dolphin II-class submarine named INS Dragon from Germany, marking the most advanced and costly submarine ever added to the Israeli Navy. Built by ThyssenKrupp shipyards in Germany, the submarine was delivered at the end of July, ahead of the original 2025 schedule. The Dragon measures over 70 meters in length, weighs more than 2,000 tons, and is the sixth submarine in the Dolphin series and the third upgraded Dolphin II variant. Its estimated cost is approximately 634 million US dollars.

Security experts highlight that the Dragon will significantly enhance Israel's intelligence gathering and strategic deterrence capabilities, particularly by ensuring Israel maintains a continuous underwater presence. This capability is crucial for preserving a strategic response even if Israel's conventional military assets are severely compromised. National security expert Dr. Ehud Eilam explained that submarines like the Dragon allow Israel to maintain operational readiness and retaliatory ability in the event of a major attack.

The submarine's name, Dragon, symbolizes power and strength, drawing from a mythical sea creature, and also honors the legacy of the earlier INS Dakar submarine and its crew. The acquisition underscores Israel's ongoing efforts to bolster its naval forces amid regional threats, particularly from Iran.