INS Drakon Submarine

Full Specifications

INS Drakon Dolphin-II Attack Submarine

The INS Drakon is Israel’s newest and most advanced Dolphin II-class diesel electric attack submarine, designed to enhance the Israeli Navy’s long range intelligence, deterrence, and precision strike capabilities. Built by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), INS Drakon represents a significantly modified version of previous Dolphin II submarines, featuring a larger hull and an expanded sail believed to accommodate advanced payloads or special mission systems.

Officially transferred to Israel in 2025, INS Drakon is expected to strengthen Israel’s underwater warfare capabilities across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and potentially beyond. While many of its capabilities remain classified, defense analysts believe the submarine is optimized for intelligence collection, special operations, strategic deterrence, and long endurance patrols.

Manufacturer

INS Drakon was built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in Kiel, Germany. The submarine is part of the long running German Israeli submarine cooperation program and incorporates air independent propulsion (AIP), enabling extended submerged operations without surfacing.

Speed and Range

Powered by diesel electric engines combined with hydrogen fuel cell AIP technology, INS Drakon can remain submerged for several weeks. It is estimated to reach speeds of approximately 20 knots submerged and has an operational range exceeding 8,000 nautical miles while snorkeling. The submarine is designed for long duration strategic patrols far from Israeli waters.

Cost / Price

Although Israel has not officially disclosed the procurement cost, defense analysts estimate each advanced Dolphin II submarine, including INS Drakon, costs approximately US$900 million to US$1.2 billion, with Germany subsidizing part of the construction under bilateral defense agreements.

INS Drakon is equipped with heavyweight torpedoes, anti ship missiles, and large diameter torpedo tubes capable of launching specialized payloads. Reports suggest it may also support long range land attack cruise missiles, although Israeli authorities have never officially confirmed this capability. Advanced sonar, electronic warfare systems, acoustic quieting measures, and highly automated combat systems make the submarine one of the most capable conventional submarines operating today.