Israel’s most modern submarine, INS Drakon (“Dragon”), was launched in Kiel, Germany, offering new capabilities to the Israeli navy. The submarine is a version of the successful Dolphin-II class, and its unique lines also show Israel’s independent naval thinking.
INS Drakon is larger than any previous Israeli submarine, larger than the first two Dolphin-II vessels. The Dolphin-II already had an elongated hull compared to the original Dolphin-I. It is an anaerobic propulsion vessel. Based on available information, the next planned Dakar class will be about the same length as the Drakon. Thus, INS Drakon can be seen as the bridge between the Dolphin class and the future Dakar class.
The submarines have been fitted with vertical missile launchers in the turret possibly for nuclear warhead missiles, perhaps even ballistic missiles. However, no one can know as Israel maintains extreme secrecy. The submarine also carries torpedo tubes. It may take some time, possibly years, to decipher the submarine’s capabilities.
Indeed, the Israeli Navy keeps certain aspects of its existing submarines secret, so we may never know everything. But as new images emerge, some pieces of the puzzle may fall into place.
