Full Breakdown
Israel’s Newest Submarine, INS Drakon, Joins the Navy
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Arrival and Induction
On a Thursday ceremony at Haifa Naval Base, Israel’s sixth submarine, the INS Drakon, was formally received into the Israeli Navy. The event was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and senior naval officers. Images released on September 24, 2026 show soldiers aboard the vessel.
Development and Procurement
The Drakon is a Dolphin-class AIP (air-independent propulsion) submarine built by German shipyard TKMS in Kiel. Unveiled on November 12, 2024, the 70-meter, 3,000-ton vessel reflects roughly 14 years of planning and construction, with Israeli engineers working alongside German teams on system integration and sea trials.
Technical Profile
- Length: ~70 m, about 30 % larger than earlier Dolphin boats.
- Displacement: 3,000 tons.
- Propulsion: Air-independent system using onboard oxygen and hydrogen, allowing extended submerged operations.
- Armament: Larger payload capacity than its predecessors.
- Cost: Roughly €500 million.
- Crew Facilities: Showers, toilets, and an “atmosphere room” for movies and television.
Strategic Significance
Israeli naval officials say the Drakon’s endurance and stealth enhance covert operations far from Israel’s shores. Admiral Guy Levy linked the platform to emerging threats in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and other chokepoints, and noted its role in special-forces insertions and joint IDF missions.
Official Statements & Responses
- Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir called the induction a “major step” in force-building amid a “prolonged, multi-front war,” emphasizing continued focus on Iran.
- Admiral Guy Levy said the vessel brings “new and lethal combat capabilities” needed for “developing threats from neighboring countries.”
- The Navy expects full operational capability within roughly two months, after Israeli weapons and intelligence systems are installed.
Verbatim Quotes
Why It Matters
The Drakon’s ability to stay submerged for long periods and operate in distant waters directly supports Israel’s maritime focus. Enhanced intelligence-gathering, strike reach, and special-operations support strengthen deterrence against regional adversaries, especially Iran’s naval activities and Houthi operations near Bab el-Mandeb.
What’s Next
Officials expect the Drakon to be fully operational in about two months, once Israeli combat systems are integrated. Subsequent vessels of the new Dakar class are under construction, aiming to replace older submarines and further expand the Navy’s reach. The ceremony highlighted the ongoing partnership with Germany, which also supplies advanced defense technologies such as the Arrow missile system.