Under the Radar: Israel Takes Ownership Of Most Advanced, Expensive Submarine In Navy's History

Israel has received the INS Drakon, the sixth and most advanced submarine in its naval fleet. The vessel was delivered at a TKMS shipyard in Kiel, Germany, in a private ceremony without media coverage or official announcement. According to Germany's MarineForum naval publication, the INS Drakon has already departed the shipyard and sailed through the Bay of Kiel under the Israeli flag, with arrival in Israel expected later this summer ahead of an induction process and operational preparations.

The INS Drakon is the third upgraded Dolphin 2-class submarine, following the INS Tanin and INS Rahav, and represents the final vessel in Israel's Dolphin program. At approximately €550 million, or about $634 million, it is the most expensive submarine ever acquired by the Israeli Navy. Construction began in 2012, but Israel mandated substantial design modifications and additional capabilities that required alterations to the hull, internal systems and sail, extending the timeline considerably. Delivery was initially scheduled for 2025.

At roughly 73 meters long, the INS Drakon exceeds the dimensions of the INS Tanin and INS Rahav, each measuring 68.6 meters. Its submerged displacement is estimated at approximately 2,400 tons, making it the largest submarine built in Germany since World War II. The vessel uses an air-independent propulsion system based on fuel-cell technology, allowing extended underwater operations without external air supply and reducing detection risk.

During the submarine's naming ceremony in November 2024, Israeli Navy Commander Maj. Gen. David Saar Salama stated that "The INS Drakon will be a cornerstone in ensuring the security of the State of Israel" And described it as a vessel that "will operate in distant and unknown waters for extended periods."

The submarine's enlarged structure, particularly its unusually large sail, has generated speculation in foreign defense media about additional launch systems and special operations capabilities, though neither Israel nor Germany has confirmed such assessments or disclosed weapons details.

The INS Drakon completes a procurement program spanning more than three decades while marking the transition to Israel's next generation of submarines. In 2022, Israel agreed with TKMS for three new Dakar-class submarines at an estimated cost of approximately €3 billion, with German government financing covering roughly one-fifth of the agreement. These vessels are expected to arrive beginning in 2031.