Whether due to the more hostile climate towards Israel (also) in Germany since October 7, 2023 or due to the general sensitivity surrounding modern submarines, the christening of the Israeli submarine “INS Drakon” of the “Dolphin-2” class took place a few days ago at Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems in Kiel under strict security precautions. At the same time, production of the new “Dakar” class submarine began, the first of which is expected to be available from 2031.
In addition to high-ranking representatives of the Israeli navy and government, German officials also took part in the ceremony. Among them were Vice Admiral David Saar Salma (Commander of the Israeli Navy), Vice Admiral Jan C. Kaack (Inspector of the German Navy), Zeev Landau (Deputy Director General and Head of the Defense Procurement Agency at the German Ministry of Defense BMVg) and Ron Prosor (Israeli Ambassador to Germany).
Compared to the sister boats “Tanin” and “Rahav”, which were delivered from Kiel in 2015 and 2016, the “INS Drakon” has a number of changes. At 73 meters, the ship is the largest Israeli submarine to date and 4.4 meters longer than the two previously delivered boats. In addition, the “INS Drakon” has a significantly larger turret, possibly to accommodate new weapon systems such as a vertical launch system (VLS) with up to four bays. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxVDsbeMaZA It is also possible to integrate two even larger multipurpose bays that extend deep(er) into the pressure hull. Likewise – as in the correspondingly modernized Swedish AIP boats of the “Gotland” class – a chamber for accommodating or floating out autonomous underwater/surface vehicles, for combat divers for special operations, or for reconnaissance equipment or sensors for intelligence operations.
The special technical features include ten torpedo tubes. Six at the top with a standard diameter of 533 millimetres and four larger shafts of 650 millimetres at the bottom, which could also be suitable for cruise missiles such as the Popeye Turbo SLM from the Israeli company Rafael. The range of Popeye Turbo SLM is estimated at 1,500 kilometers, the size of the conventional warhead at 200 kilograms.
Israel emphasizes the strategic importance of the “Drakon”, which, according to naval chief David Saar Salma, serves as a “force multiplier” for the country’s security. Its capabilities should enable it to operate invisibly and effectively even in remote regions. However, details about their exact equipment and possible missions remain secret. https://militaeraktuell.at/generalleutnant-hofbauer-wir-machen-tempo/ The shipyard sees the “Drakon” and the new “Dakar” class as milestones of cooperation and technological innovation, while experts suspect that these submarines could play a decisive role in Israel’s defense strategy – possibly also in nuclear terms.
