Shipbuilder Launches One Israeli Submarine And Starts Work On Another

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has launched Israeli Dolphin 2-class submarine INS Drakon and started work on the first of the Dakar-class vessels that will eventually replace them.

As per a recent TKMS press statement earlier this month Drakon, whose name mean 'Dragon', was launched at a ceremony at the firm's shipyard in Kiel, Germany. Drakon is the third and final Israeli Dolphin 2-class produced for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). Its design has been modified to fit bespoke requirements specified by the IDF.

The Drakon is expected to be delivered and commissioned during 2025; previous media reports have suggested that the €650 million vessel may feature new weapon capabilities, including a Vertical Launch System (VLS) for firing missiles, though this has not been confirmed by either the Israeli or German governments.

It has also been speculated that the sub's larger-than-standard sail might include a compartment for releasing Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and/or Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and might be intended as a proof-of-concept design for the upcoming Dakar-class vessels.

Back in 2022 Israel's Ministry of Defence placed a €3 billion order for three Dakar-class attack subs to replace its first Dolphin-class subs; the first of the new boats is scheduled to enter service in 2031. Few details of the planned vessels have been made public, but it is expected it may also sport a VLS.

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, commented: “With Israel, we share a long-standing partnership built on trust and mutual respect. The launching of INS Drakon and the start of production for the first Class-Dakar submarine are major milestones that underscore our commitment to delivering submarines that set new technical standards globally.

"As a ‘Maritime Powerhouse’ we bring together our full spectrum of capabilities — from electronics, to design, to platform integration. The start of production for this submarine marks a new chapter in our collaboration, strengthening our partnership with Israel and further proving the world-class expertise of our teams.”

• You can read more details on the TKMS website