Israel Upgrades Submarine Fleet with Advanced German Vessel

Israel recently received its most sophisticated and costly submarine from Germany, a move that amplifies its naval capabilities amidst increasing regional threats. The INS Drakon, anticipated to be a significant enhancement to Israel’s underwater strike force, was delivered ahead of its originally scheduled 2025 arrival, as reported by The Algemeiner.

At a naming ceremony in Kiel scheduled for 2024, the submarine was described as belonging to the Dolphin AIP class. It features unique systems and groundbreaking technologies that broaden the range of Israel’s defense capabilities. Built by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) specifically for the Israeli Navy, this warship reinforces a critical sea-based layer of deterrence, especially relevant amidst conflicts involving Iran, according to defense analysts.

Dr. Ehud Eilam, a national security expert and former Israeli Ministry of Defense researcher, emphasized the importance of maintaining an ongoing undersea presence for national security.

Eilam pointed out that some submarines must remain at sea around the clock to respond if Iran initiated an attack that could debilitate the IDF and its strategic operations. This underscores the necessity for having submarines on active duty at all times.

The handover of the INS Drakon, the sixth Dolphin-class and third modified Dolphin II-class submarine, occurred at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel in late July. The submarine, measuring over 70 meters in length and displaced above 2,000 tons, represents Germany’s largest construction of its kind since World War II. The cost for this vessel amounts to a reported $634 million, as noted by The Algemeiner.

According to Israeli outlet Ynet, the Dolphin-class fleet is crucial for Israel’s sea-based second-strike defense capability. TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard stated that the program for Israel, including the delivery and homecoming of the vessels, is proceeding as planned.

Eilam explained that Israel’s acquisition of submarines serves multiple purposes, focusing on deterrence and retribution, particularly if Iran develops nuclear weapons. Active-duty submarines perform intelligence missions in the Mediterranean Sea, but they primarily prepare for severe strategic threats.

Eilam further noted that the new submarine’s larger size suggests Israel seeks to expand missile range capabilities, allowing strikes on targets throughout Iran from the Mediterranean. This strategy enables Israeli submarines to avoid risky passages like the Suez Canal or extended routes around Africa.

The submarine, named INS Drakon, symbolizes power and uniqueness. The name contains the Hebrew letters ד׳, ק׳, ר׳ (Dakar), honoring the legacy of the INS Dakar submarine and its crew, as stated by the Ministry of Defense.

Fox News Digital sought comments from the Israeli Navy, the Ministry of Defense, TKMS, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).