Full Breakdown
Israel Takes Delivery of the INS Drakon, Its Largest Dolphin-II Submarine Yet
8/10/2026, 9:23:38 PM
Delivery of the INS Drakon
Israel received the INS Drakon from Germany in late July, completing the fleet’s sixth Dolphin-II-class submarine. The handover took place at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ (TKMS) shipyard in Kiel, where the vessel was named after the mythical sea creature “Drakon.”
Background of the Dolphin-II Program
The submarine is the latest product of a long-standing defense partnership between Israel and Germany. TKMS built the Dolphin-II class for the Israeli Navy under contracts first signed in 2022, and the INS Drakon marks the final boat of the current series. Germany has also supplied Israel with the Arrow 3 missile-defence system, underscoring the broader strategic ties between the two nations.
Capabilities and Cost
According to interestingengineering, the INS Drakon measures more than 70 metres (230 feet) in length, displaces over 2,000 tons, and is the largest submarine built in Germany since World II. Its larger hull provides additional space for crew, fuel and equipment, enabling longer missions and greater operational flexibility. The vessel’s estimated price is €550 million (approximately $634 million).
Official Reactions
TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard said the program is proceeding as intended, emphasizing the importance of the new platform for Israel’s naval deterrence. The Israeli Ministry of Defense noted that the name “Drakon” incorporates the Hebrew letters of the historic INS Dakar, honoring the legacy of that lost submarine and its crew. Israeli national-security expert Dr. Ehud Eilam highlighted the strategic value of maintaining a continuous under-sea presence, arguing that the submarine enhances Israel’s ability to respond to potential threats in the region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everything is going according to plan with the new program for Israel,” — TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard
Strategic Implications
The addition of the INS Drakon expands Israel’s under-sea strike and reconnaissance capabilities, reinforcing its second-strike deterrence posture. The larger platform allows for extended range of missile payloads, potentially enabling strikes on distant targets without the submarine needing to approach hostile coastlines. Germany’s financing of roughly 20 percent of the €3 billion contract reflects its continued commitment to Israel’s security, while the delivery signals a deepening of bilateral defense cooperation amid regional tensions.
