Overview
- The Israeli Navy formally welcomed INS Drakon in Haifa, marking the delivery of the sixth submarine in the fleet and the final boat in the Dolphin air-independent propulsion program.
- Drakon is about 30% larger than earlier Dolphins, measures more than 70 meters, and uses an advanced hydrogen-based AIP system that lets it remain submerged for extended missions.
- The submarine sailed from the German shipyard on a roughly 25-day, 8,000-kilometer voyage and spent part of the transit submerged to limit outside tracking of its route.
- Israeli officials said national systems must still be installed on Drakon and that the boat should reach full operational readiness in about two months.
- Military leaders framed the induction as expanding the Navy's role for covert intelligence and strike operations far from Israel, while warning export controls and docking refusals in Europe have delayed construction and complicate future Dakar-class deliveries.