The German-made INS Drakon submarine, which will be officially accepted in Israel at a ceremony on Thursday, has stronger weapons and longer underwater capabilities than prior Israeli submarines, according to the IDF.
This Drakon submarine is the sixth submarine to join the Israeli navy's fleet in recent years and the third of the Dolphin class (specifically, the Dolphin II variant equipped with an AIP system).
This AIP (Air-Independent Propulsion) system allows the submarine to generate energy and recharge its batteries while submerged, without needing to surface or access external air—for extended periods.
Earlier submarines could stay submerged for a couple of days, then a couple of weeks, but the Dolphin II-class Drakon can stay submerged much longer.
Part of the Drakon's system uses hydrogen and oxygen to generate energy, enabling the submarine to extend the duration of its covert underwater operations and maintain operational capability over time.
The submarine measures over 70 meters long, making it about 30% larger than the original Dolphin-class submarines.
The section visible above the water accounts for less than one-fifth of its total size.
Neither Israel nor the German company TKMS has revealed why the Drakon has an expanded design or published what new systems it has installed.
Yet, experts have speculated that the expanded design could include new capabilities, such as possible vertical launch systems (VLS).
If present, these systems could substantially increase the submarine’s potential uses by enabling it to deploy additional weapons, cruise missiles, unmanned underwater systems, intelligence equipment, or special operations capabilities.
Experts have speculated that the expansion could also relate to launch cells, but the precise internal configuration remains unknown.
What has been published is that the Drakon includes 10 torpedo tubes in the bow: six standard 533 mm tubes and four larger 650 mm tubes.
These larger tubes can deal with heavier weapons, specialized equipment, and even underwater vehicles.
According to foreign reports, the submarines are able to deliver nuclear weapons. Multiple foreign publications have reported that Israeli submarines are part of a triad of nuclear deterrence that Israel possesses, along with land-based and air-based weapons
During Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram and other senior defense officials' stay in Germany in December 2025, they made new progress regarding the ongoing submarine deals, which have unique offensive and also defensive capabilities, The Jerusalem Post reported at the time.
Though Israel has never publicly admitted to possessing nuclear weapons, former prime ministers like Ehud Olmert and others have, at times, slipped up and alluded to the weapons program.
The arrival of the Drakon completes the second generation of Israeli navy submarines built in Germany, which Israel has said symbolizes the long-standing defense partnership between Israel and Germany.
The voyage from Germany to Israel covers about 4,000 nautical miles (8,000 km) and took just over three weeks, but can also take a month.
Possible delays due to various diplomatic maritime issues Israel has encountered
There may also have been delays due to various diplomatic maritime issues Israel has encountered and publicly reported since the October 7 war began.
Departing from Germany, the Drakon transited across part of the Atlantic Ocean near Western Europe, passed through the Strait of Gibraltar, and the voyage took it through the Mediterranean Sea.
The vessel's arrival followed more than 12 years of development, including months of trials and preparations, before it arrived in Israel.
Close cooperation was maintained throughout the project among the Israeli Navy, the German Navy, and the German Ministry of Defense, as well as the German professionals involved in the submarine's construction.
Israeli involvement in the project has spanned approximately 20 years, managed by an Israeli project directorate operating in Germany that oversees the projects through the design, construction, and testing phases.
Israeli direct involvement in joint naval projects with Germany continues
Officers and engineers from the Israeli navy serve in the project directorate, relocating to Germany with their families for several years at a time. Additionally, submarine squadron crews joined the project later, participating in drills at sea, testing, and the process of assessing the ship's readiness and delivering it to the Israeli navy.
Israeli direct involvement in joint naval projects with Germany continues, with a focus on the next generation of submarines, the "Dakar" class, currently under construction, with an expected delivery start date of 2031.
The Drakon incorporates advanced technological capabilities that expand the Israeli navy's operational toolkit, enabling it to operate across a diverse range of arenas and missions.
Beyond the technology, the submarine squadron relies on its human capital, young crews demonstrating high levels of professionalism, responsibility, composure, and operational sharpness.
Submariners operate complex combat systems over extended periods in distant maritime theaters, working in challenging conditions of secrecy and isolation from the outside world.