Israel’s newest submarine INS Drakon has now sailed to join her home fleet for the first time following her delivery by boatbuilder TKMS.
The third and final Dolphin-class boat, the German-built diesel-electric vessel features an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, and is a modified variant of her sister vessels.
Israel has remained tight-lipped about the exact nature of the submarine’s capabilities and systems, saying only that the boat has “unique” characteristics which extend its fleet’s operational options.
However, INS Drakon is believed to be up to six metres longer than her 68-metre Batch II sister boats, and also features a radically enlarged sail, which is presumed to accommodate a specialized payload.
It’s widely speculated that INS Drakon features a new Vertical Launch System (VLS), though neither Israel nor TKMS has confirmed this; it’s been suggested the sail is larger to accommodate missiles otherwise too long to fit inside the sub’s pressure hull.
The send-off ceremony for INS Drakon was held this week at the TKMS shipyard in Kiel, and was attended by VIPs, dignitaries and military and industry representatives from both nations.
An Israel Ministry of Defence statement noted: “The submarine incorporates innovative and advanced technologies that place Israel at the forefront of global military technology and will enhance the Israeli Navy’s operational flexibility for years to come.”
It added: “Upon the arrival of Israel’s sixth submarine, a state ceremony will be held at the Haifa Naval Base.”
The Batch II Dolphin-class submarines are thought to be capable of more than 25 knots submerged, have a range of up to 8,000 nautical miles, can dive to at least 350 metres, and are capable of multi-week submersion.
They have six standard-sized and four large torpedo tubes, the latter also reportedly functioning as either swimmer delivery systems or launch portals for Popeye Turbo submarine-launched cruise missiles. They are also thought to carry Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
Work on the next generation of submarines for the Israeli fleet, the Dakar class, is already underway at the same yard; Israel signed a €3bn deal at the start of 2022 for three Dakar-class hulls.
The Dakar class boats could exceed 80 metres in length and displace more than 3,400 tonnes; they are expected to feature a VLS enabling them to fire Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs).
Construction work on the first vessel began in late 2024, and she is scheduled for delivery and active service integration starting in 2031.
At the Drakon ceremony Commander in Chief of the Israeli Navy, Vice Admiral Eyal Harel, observed: “INS Drakon, together with the three Dakar-class submarines that will join the Israeli Navy, will form a major part of the future of the Submarine Flotilla, the Israeli Navy, and the IDF.
“They will bring more advanced capabilities, greater operational range, longer endurance on missions, and significant operational power.”
TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard added: “With the departure of INS Drakon we are successfully concluding a challenging program that was characterized over many years by trust, technological expertise, and shared responsibility.
“Israel is an important partner for us in the maritime sector. With the Dakar class, we are continuing our collaboration and demonstrating that TKMS not only develops complex naval programs but also reliably brings them to fruition.”
- You can read more details on the Israel MoD’s Facebook page and the TKMS website
