**Israel Receives €550 Million Drakon Submarine from Germany**
Israel has officially taken delivery of the INS Drakon, a new submarine built by German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The delivery, valued at approximately €550 million, was reported on Monday and marks a significant enhancement of Israel's naval capabilities. The submarine was handed over at ThyssenKrupp's facilities located in Kiel, Germany.
The INS Drakon is the sixth and final vessel in Israel’s Dolphin II submarine series, which has been pivotal in bolstering the country's maritime defense. Originally slated for delivery in 2025, the submarine's arrival comes ahead of schedule, reflecting the efficient collaboration between Israel and the German shipbuilder.
Measuring over 70 meters in length and displacing more than 2,000 tonnes, the Drakon is notably larger than its predecessors in the Dolphin series. This increase in size allows for enhanced operational capabilities, making it a formidable asset for the Israeli Navy.
In 2022, Israel entered into a comprehensive €3 billion agreement with ThyssenKrupp, which encompasses the construction of the Drakon as well as three additional Dakar-class submarines. As part of this deal, the German government is expected to finance around 20 percent of the total cost, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations in defense matters.
The Drakon is recognized as the largest submarine constructed in Germany since the end of World War II, underlining its significance not only for Israel but also within the context of modern naval engineering. The vessel was specifically designed to meet the operational requirements of the Israeli Navy, which views its submarine fleet as a crucial component of its overall strategic capabilities.
In a nod to history, the name "Drakon" includes Hebrew letters that pay tribute to the INS Dakar, a submarine that tragically sank off the coast of Cyprus while en route to Israel in 1968. This connection serves to honor the memory of the crew and the vessel, reinforcing the importance of naval heritage in Israel's maritime operations.
As Israel continues to expand its naval capabilities, the delivery of the INS Drakon represents a significant milestone in its defense strategy. The addition of this advanced submarine is expected to enhance Israel's deterrence capabilities in a region characterized by complex security challenges.