Israel Takes Delivery of Massive Sub Built for One Terrifying Purpose

Liberty Check

• Israel receives its sixth and most advanced submarine from Germany, strengthening its strategic deterrence capabilities against Iran
• The $634 million INS Drakon can strike targets across Iran from the Mediterranean, eliminating dangerous transit routes
• The vessel provides critical second-strike capability in ‘doomsday scenarios’ where Iran attempts nuclear attack

Israel has taken delivery of its most advanced and expensive submarine from Germany, expanding its fleet amid escalating regional threats. The handover of the INS Drakon is expected to significantly bolster Israel’s underwater strike and reconnaissance capabilities.

The warship had been scheduled for delivery in 2025 but arrived in late July at Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) shipyard in Kiel. Built specifically for the Israeli Navy, the submarine provides a vital sea-based layer of deterrence and retribution amid the ongoing war with Iran, defense analysts say.

A statement following the submarine’s naming ceremony in Kiel in 2024 confirmed the INS Drakon is of the Dolphin AIP class and “equipped with unique systems, including groundbreaking technologies that expand the range of the IDF’s capabilities across various arenas.”

Dr. Ehud Eilam, an Israeli national security expert and former researcher for Israel’s Ministry of Defense, told Fox News Digital that maintaining a continuous undersea presence is paramount for the nation’s survival.

“Some of them would have to be at sea, on high alert, around the clock, if Iran suddenly attacked Israel in such a way that would cripple the IDF, including its strategic capabilities,” Eilam said.

“In such a drastic scenario, Israel’s submarine/s that would be at sea could respond. Israel’s other submarines might be in Haifa harbor at the time. They might be attacked and unable to operate. This demonstrates how important it is to always have submarines at sea.”

The INS Drakon is the sixth Dolphin-class vessel and third modified Dolphin II-class submarine in Israel’s fleet. Measuring more than 70 meters (230 feet) in length with a displacement exceeding 2,000 tons, the vessel is reportedly the largest submarine constructed in Germany since World War II, carrying an estimated price tag of $634 million.

Israel’s Dolphin-class fleet provides the nation with a critical sea-based second-strike capability in its defense program. While submarines on active deployment carry out intelligence and reconnaissance missions across the Mediterranean Sea, their primary objective remains readiness for “doomsday scenarios,” Eilam noted.

“Everything is going according to plan with the new program for Israel,” TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard said. “That also applies to the handover of the last boat of the previous series, including the homecoming in Israel.”

The INS Drakon’s arrival comes as Israel projects increasing military power across distant operational theaters. The submarine’s enhanced capabilities address critical strategic vulnerabilities.

“Israel has been acquiring submarines for several purposes. One of them is for deterrence and retribution, such as if Iran manages to develop nuclear weapons,” Eilam said before adding that “Israel has to be ready.”

“Israel’s new submarine is bigger than others, which suggests Israel wants to have more options, such as increasing the range of the submarine’s missiles so they can reach every target in Iran, even if the Israeli submarine is in the Mediterranean Sea,” Eilam explained.

“That way the submarine does not have to get closer to Iran, which requires crossing the Suez Canal, and this could be very risky, if not impossible in some situations. The other alternative is to bypass all of Africa, which would take a long time.”

The new submarine was named INS Drakon (Dragon) — a mythical sea creature symbolizing strength, uniqueness and power. The name contains the Hebrew letters ד׳, ק׳, ר׳ (Dakar), commemorating the legacy of the submarine INS Dakar and its crew, the Ministry of Defense said.

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