INS Drakon Sets Sail for Israel, Completing Germany-Israel Submarine Deal

The Israeli Navy’s sixth submarine, INS Drakon, left the TKMS shipyard in Kiel, Germany, on Tuesday, beginning its voyage to Haifa. A send-off ceremony attended by Israeli Navy Chief Vice Adm. Eyal Harel, German Navy Chief Vice Adm. Jan Christian Kaack, and senior officials marked the end of a multi-year construction program. The Israeli flag was raised aboard the vessel, and a large security operation involving the Israeli Defense Ministry’s Security Department and German forces accompanied the departure. The submarine is expected to arrive in Israel within weeks, after which a state ceremony will be held at Haifa Naval Base.

YnetNewsThe Jerusalem Post

INS Drakon is the third and final submarine of the Dolphin-class air-independent propulsion (AIP) series purchased under a long-standing agreement that foresees six German-built submarines for Israel. The vessels are constructed by the German maritime firm TKMS, the successor to ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. In February 2024, Elbit Systems announced a joint effort with TKMS to produce structural components and to establish a German-based facility for underwater glass-reinforced polyester (Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP)) parts, a move described as expanding local manufacturing capabilities. The deal reflects a broader strategic partnership that also includes cooperation on the Arrow air-defence system and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The Jerusalem Post

Vice Adm. Eyal Harel said the new submarine, together with three planned Dakar-class boats, will enhance the fleet’s operational range, endurance and overall power. Israeli Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor noted that the submarine’s hand-over demonstrates the depth of ties between Jerusalem and Berlin and their joint response to shared strategic challenges. German Navy Chief Jan Christian Kaack also participated in the ceremony, underscoring the bilateral nature of the project.

YnetNews

According to the IDF, INS Drakon incorporates advanced technologies that expand the navy’s flexibility, range and endurance for years to come. Foreign reports have suggested that the Dolphin-class submarines are capable of delivering nuclear weapons, forming part of Israel’s alleged nuclear triad. The navy has previously used submarines for surveillance and covert strikes against Hezbollah targets deep in Lebanon, and for protecting maritime assets such as offshore gas rigs. —is intended to support pre-emptive actions against regional threats, including potential Houthi attacks on Eilat.

The Jerusalem Post

• “This cooperation will expand local manufacturing capabilities and serve as an anchor for global activity in the underwater domain.” — Aerospace Division, at Elbit Systems

The Jerusalem Post

• “They will bring more advanced capabilities, greater operational range, longer endurance on missions and significant operational power,” — Adm. Eyal Harel

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