# Israel acquisition of German-built INS Drakon submarine

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/israel-acquisition-of-german-built-ins-drakon-submarine
> Updated: 2026-08-09T19:34:09.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Germany has transferred the INS Drakon, a Dolphin-II class submarine built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, to the Israeli Navy. The vessel, costing approximately $634 million, is the final and largest submarine of its class constructed in Germany since World War II.

The submarine features advanced technology, including ten torpedo tubes and an enlarged sail that analysts suggest could potentially house vertical launch systems for missiles. Defense experts indicate that the INS Drakon is intended to bolster Israel's strategic deterrence and provide a critical sea-based second-strike capability, particularly in relation to Iran.

Following the handover at the Kiel shipyard, the vessel commenced sea trials. During these trials, Russian reconnaissance vessels were observed monitoring the submarine.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Israel receives INS Drakon, new $634M German-built submarine

Israel has received the INS Drakon, a $634 million German-built Dolphin-class submarine designed to enhance its underwater strike capabilities and strategic deterrence against Iran.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/israel-receives-ins-drakon-new-634m-german-built-submarine

### 2026-08-04: Israel Receives INS Drakon Submarine from Germany

Germany delivered the 73‑metre INS Drakon, the final Dolphin‑II submarine, to Israel in a secret handover at Kiel. It carries ten torpedo tubes and an enlarged sail that may host vertical launch systems, bolst‑

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-delivers-ins-drakon-submarine-to-israel

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Cite as: Israel acquisition of German-built INS Drakon submarine. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/israel-acquisition-of-german-built-ins-drakon-submarine