Israel’s newest submarine, the INS Drakon, is expected to arrive at its home port in Haifa this week following a highly secretive journey from Germany to the Mediterranean.
The submarine left a German shipyard about three weeks ago and travelled under heavy security. According to reports, the vessel remained submerged for much of the journey, while details of its movements were kept confidential.
The security measures were reportedly prompted by concerns that regional and global powers, including Turkey, Russia and China, could attempt to monitor the submarine or gather intelligence about its capabilities.
The arrival of the INS Drakon will give Israel a fleet of six submarines. It is the third vessel in the Dolphin-class submarines equipped with an air-independent propulsion system, allowing it to remain underwater for extended periods without surfacing for air.
Israel has not publicly disclosed many details about the submarine’s weapons systems and operational capabilities. However, foreign reports have previously claimed that Israeli submarines are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, although Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity and has not officially confirmed possessing such weapons.
The submarine is expected to be formally welcomed at a ceremony at the Haifa naval base later this week.
The arrival further expands the Israeli Navy’s submarine fleet and adds another strategically sensitive platform to its maritime capabilities.
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