Israel Navy Unveils INS Drakon: A Strategic Leap in Naval Power

In a historic ceremony held last week at the German port of Kiel, the Israeli Navy unveiled its sixth and largest submarine, the INS Drakon. This new addition to Israel's fleet is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the nation's naval capabilities and defense posture. Attended by high-ranking officials including Israel Navy Commander David Saar Salama, Zeev Landau of the Defense Ministry, and Ambassador to Germany Ron Prosor, the event marked a significant milestone in Israel’s defense strategy.

A Giant in Submarine Technology

The INS Drakon is not only the largest submarine built in Germany since WWII, but it also boasts cutting-edge technology and advanced capabilities. With a price tag of €500 million ($586 million), the submarine's development was partly financed by the German government, which contributed a third of the cost. This latest addition to Israel's naval fleet is expected to be delivered by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) in 2025.

Key Features of the INS Drakon

The INS Drakon is equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, allowing the submarine to stay submerged for longer periods without needing to surface for air. This extended diving time enhances the vessel's stealth capabilities and operational flexibility. Although the submarine is conventionally powered (i.e., without nuclear propulsion), it is capable of launching a variety of powerful weapons, including Popeye cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other advanced munitions.

The submarine features a Vertical Launch System (VLS), a critical upgrade that allows for the launch of missiles from underwater—an ability not available in Israel's earlier submarine models. With 10 torpedo tubes* (six 533 mm and four 650 mm), the INS Drakon represents a major advancement in Israel's strategic capabilities, giving it enhanced offensive and defensive potential.

The INS Drakon spans over 70 meters in length and weighs more than 2,000 tons, making it the largest and most powerful submarine in the Middle East. It joins Israel’s existing fleet of submarines, including the INS Tanin and INS Rahav, but stands out due to its *longer operational range* and improved missile-launching capacity. According to reports, the submarine can remain submerged for up to 18 days and reach speeds of 25 knots (46.3 km/h).

The Road to Completion and Future Investments

The INS Drakon project has not been without challenges. Initially put on hold in 2018 for strategic redesigns and technological upgrades, the submarine's construction was extended, resulting in a rise in costs. However, the partnership between Israel Navy engineers and ThyssenKrupp’s staff has spanned over 30 years, making Israel ThyssenKrupp’s second-largest customer after the German government.

Looking ahead, the INS Drakon will eventually replace older submarines such as the INS Dolphin, INS Leviathan, and INS Tkuma, which have been in service since 1999-2000. In addition to this, Israel has procured three new Dakar-class submarines for delivery in the early 2030s, further modernizing its submarine fleet.

The Drakon will serve not only as a deterrent but as an essential asset in Israel's defense strategy, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of technological advancements in military defense.