Israel’s sixth submarine is coming home after a highly secretive journey
The INS Drakon traveled from Germany to the Mediterranean under heavy security, with Israel concerned that regional and global powers could try to gather intelligence on the vessel.
Israel’s newest submarine is expected to arrive at its home port in Haifa this week after a highly secretive voyage from Germany, adding a new and largely opaque element to the Israeli Navy’s capabilities.
The INS Drakon (Dragon) left the German shipyard three weeks ago and is expected to reach Israel this week. Its journey to the Mediterranean was conducted under heavy security, with the submarine operating at depth and its movements kept secret.
The precautions reflect the strategic sensitivity surrounding the vessel. During its passage through the Mediterranean, Israel was aware that countries including Turkey, Russia and China could seek to intercept the submarine or collect intelligence about it.
The arrival marks the addition of Israel’s sixth submarine and the third vessel in the Dolphin AIP series. The upgraded design allows the submarine to remain submerged for longer periods without needing to surface for air.
Much about the submarine’s capabilities remains undisclosed. Israel has never officially confirmed the nature of the advanced weapons its submarines can carry. Foreign reports, however, have said that Israeli submarines possess the ability to carry nuclear weapons, providing what has been described as a “doomsday weapon” that could be used in the event of an existential threat to Israel.
That combination of secrecy and strategic uncertainty has long been central to the significance of Israel’s submarine fleet. The Drakon’s journey from Germany was conducted with precisely that sensitivity in mind, with the vessel kept at depth as it crossed the Mediterranean.
The submarine’s arrival will be formally marked at an official ceremony at the Haifa naval base this week.
