The Israeli Navy's sixth submarine, INS Drakon, has departed Germany to begin its journey home, marking a significant expansion of Israel's long-range strategic power. The vessel raised the Israeli flag during a departure ceremony at the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems shipyard in Kiel before setting sail on a 3,300-nautical-mile voyage to Haifa Naval Base.
A senior Defense Ministry official described the 73-meter vessel as "the most advanced and complex weapon system in the IDF," highlighting its expanded capabilities. INS Drakon serves as the third and final submarine in Israel's Dolphin air-independent propulsion series, joining sister vessels INS Tanin and INS Rahav.
The submarine utilizes fuel-cell technology to generate power without surface air, allowing the vessel to remain submerged for weeks while minimizing detection risks. The IDF confirmed that the platform delivers expanded operational range, increased endurance, and added mission flexibility across multiple combat arenas.
Israeli Navy Commander Vice Admiral Eyal Harel emphasized the strategic importance of the platform during recent proceedings, stating that the new submarines "will bring more advanced capabilities, greater operational range, longer endurance on missions and significant operational power". Harel noted that crew members will operate "covertly, in the dark and in silence, far from home," bearing responsibility for critical decisions during classified assignments.
Heavy security measures protected the vessel during its initial departure through the Kiel Canal. German security forces deployed police officers, patrol boats, armored vehicles, and aerial surveillance units to guard the passage against potential air or surface threats.
Military analysts note that the unusually large sail structure on Drakon may house specialized equipment, vertical missile-launching mechanisms, or automated systems. Defense officials have kept internal modifications classified, confirming only that the submarine incorporates unique military technologies.
The submarine's name represents a compromise honoring the crew of INS Dakar, which sank in 1968 with 69 crew members aboard. The Hebrew word Drakon contains the letters of Dakar, preserving the historical connection while leaving the original name for the Navy's next generation of submarines.
Construction is already underway on the upcoming Dakar-class vessels, which are slated for delivery in the early 2030s. INS Drakon serves as the technological bridge to this future class, with its arrival marking the first time Israel will operate six active submarines simultaneously.
