The Israeli Navy has taken delivery of its most advanced and expensive submarine from Germany, expanding its fleet amid escalating regional threats.
The INS Drakon, built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Kiel, is a Dolphin AIP class submarine equipped with unique systems, including groundbreaking technologies that expand the range of the Israel Defense Forces' capabilities across various arenas. The warship had been scheduled to be delivered in 2025 but was handed over to Israel in late July.
The INS Drakon's arrival is expected to significantly bolster Israel's underwater strike and reconnaissance capabilities. According to defense analysts, the submarine provides a vital sea-based layer of deterrence and retribution amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Dr. Ehud Eilam, an Israeli national security expert and former researcher for Israel's Ministry of Defense, emphasized the importance of maintaining a continuous undersea presence for Israel's national survival. He noted that some submarines would need to be at sea on high alert around the clock in case of a sudden Iranian attack on Israel.
The INS Drakon is reportedly the largest submarine constructed in Germany since World War II, measuring over 70 meters in length and carrying an estimated price tag of $634 million. It is part of Israel's Dolphin-class fleet, which also provides the nation with a critical sea-based second-strike capability in its defense program.
The INS Drakon was named after the mythical sea creature symbolizing strength, uniqueness, and power, commemorating the legacy of the submarine INS Dakar and its crew.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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