Israel receives sixth Drakon submarine for its navy from Germany

Israel announced on Tuesday evening that the Navy submarine Drakon is en route from Germany to the country, marking the conclusion of the joint planning and construction phase between the two nations and the start of its voyage to the country.

In a joint statement, the Israeli military and Defence Ministry said the submarine was the sixth to be delivered to Israel. They said the Israeli navy commander, senior Defence Ministry officials, Israel’s ambassador to Berlin and the German navy commander attended a ceremony marking the start of the submarine’s voyage from the German shipbuilder TKMS’s shipyard in the German city of Kiel.

The statement said the Drakon was the third and final submarine in the Dolphin-class (AIP) series under a deal concluded by the Defence Ministry for the navy. It said the submarine “includes advanced and modern technologies that place Israel at the forefront of global military technology and strengthen the navy’s operational flexibility for many years to come”. 

READ: Germany faults Israel over closed probe into World Central Kitchen strike

Navy Commander Eyal Harel said: “Today, many years of thinking, planning, development, construction, innovation and work are becoming an operational reality. We are witnessing the moment when the navy’s, the Israeli military’s and the State of Israel’s submarine of the future begins its journey home.”

He said the submarine “will bring more advanced capabilities, a greater operational range, the ability to remain on missions for longer periods, and significant operational power”.

Harel concluded: “Qualified fighters and commanders will operate inside the submarine in secrecy, darkness and silence, far from the country. They alone bear the responsibility of making the right decision.”

READ: Israeli opposition leader gives Netanyahu’s wife 24-hour apology ultimatum for 7th October claim