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Israel commissions INS Drakon, boosting submarine stealth and deployment

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 8:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Israel Navy Commissions Submarine

Israel's Navy commissioned the INS Drakon submarine after a 23-day 3,792-nautical-mile voyage from Germany.
The 74-meter 2,600-ton Dolphin II-class vessel is Israel's largest and heaviest submarine.
INS Drakon uses air-independent propulsion extending underwater endurance and stealth.
Crew members including Captain Cdr. Ayin and Lt. Col. O. oversaw construction in Germany for three years.
Chief of staff Levy said the €500 million Drakon boosts stealth and deployment capability.

Summary

Herzog Honors Dakar

Israel exports advanced defense systems to Germany, boosting Europe’s collective security.
IDF Chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir linked the Drakon’s arrival to vigilance against Iran.
Norway and Denmark denied submarine passage, moving training to waters between Sweden and Denmark.
President Isaac Herzog highlighted a symbolic partnership with Germany, noting 81 years since the Holocaust.
Herzog honored the 69 crew of the lost INS Dakar, linking past and present naval heritage.

History

Historical Context

In 1965 Israel bought a British T-class boat that entered service as INS Dakar; after leaving Portsmouth in January 1968, its 69-crew vanished, launching a search that lasted until 1999 when a wreck was found at roughly 3,000 m between Crete and Cyprus. The disappearance, part of four 1968 submarine losses, drove Israeli naval renewal, prompting a 2018 plan for a new submarine originally to be named Dakar.

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Israel Navy Commissions Submarine

Israel's Navy commissioned the INS Drakon submarine after a 23-day 3,792-nautical-mile voyage from Germany.
The 74-meter 2,600-ton Dolphin II-class vessel is Israel's largest and heaviest submarine.
INS Drakon uses air-independent propulsion extending underwater endurance and stealth.
Crew members including Captain Cdr. Ayin and Lt. Col. O. oversaw construction in Germany for three years.
Chief of staff Levy said the €500 million Drakon boosts stealth and deployment capability.

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