INS Drakon submarine departs Germany for Israel

The INS Drakon, the sixth submarine for the Israeli Navy, has departed from the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems shipyard in Kiel, Germany, to begin its journey to Israel. The vessel is the third and final boat in the Dolphin-class series equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology. This system allows the submarine to remain submerged for extended periods, increasing its stealth and operational range.

Measuring approximately 73 meters in length with a submerged displacement of 2,400 tons, the Drakon is considered a major technological advancement for the Israel Defense Forces. The name Drakon was selected as a compromise after relatives of the crew from the sunken submarine Dakar objected to the name being reused for this vessel. The name Dakar will instead be reserved for a future class of submarines expected in the early 2030s.

A formal ceremony was held in Kiel involving Israeli and German officials, including the Israeli Ambassador to Germany and the German Navy chief. The submarine is expected to arrive at the Haifa Naval Base within weeks, where a second official welcoming ceremony will take place.