Israel Gets $634M 2,000‑Ton Submarine: Germany’s Biggest Attack Sub Since WWII

Israel’s navy has taken delivery of the INS Drakon, the sixth and final vessel of the Dolphin II class built by Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The addition makes the Drakon the costliest submarine ever handed over to Israel and underscores a deepening maritime partnership between the two countries.

The hand‑over fulfills a 2022 agreement that also earmarked three future Dakar‑class submarines. Originally slated for 2025, the Drakon stretches more than 230 feet (70 meters) and displaces over 2,000 tons, rendering it the largest German‑built attack submarine produced since the Second World War.

Joining five sister vessels, the new boat expands a Dolphin II fleet that has become a cornerstone of Israel’s under‑sea capabilities.

Expanded Hull Boosts Mission Reach

According to the official specifications, the INS Drakon carries a price tag of roughly €550 million ($634 million). Its enlarged hull supplies extra room for systems, fuel reserves and crew accommodations, enabling longer deployments and greater operational flexibility far from home ports.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense describes the vessel as a strategic combat platform capable of operating across multiple theaters, with the new design supporting extended missions and enhanced versatility.

Built by TKMS, the Drakon aligns with the existing Dolphin II family while introducing a larger internal layout that may accommodate future upgrades.

German‑Israeli Defense Collaboration Deepens

The contract for the Drakon and the forthcoming Dakar‑class submarines is valued at about €3 billion, with Germany slated to fund roughly 20 percent of the total expense. Interesting Engineering notes that this financing reflects Berlin’s broader security partnership with Israel and its ongoing role in high‑tech defense projects.

Beyond submarines, the partnership includes Germany’s acquisition of Israel’s Arrow 3 missile‑defence system, an interceptor designed to neutralize ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, a deal estimated at €4 billion.

Looking Ahead to the Dakar‑Class Era

Israel’s under‑sea fleet will soon transition to the next generation of vessels. The first Dakar‑class submarine is slated for delivery in 2031, with the remaining two expected at roughly 18‑month intervals.

The new class is intended to replace the aging Dolphin, Leviathan and Tekuma submarines that entered service between 1999 and 2000, platforms that have formed the backbone of Israel’s naval operations for more than two decades.

Thus, the arrival of the INS Drakon not only closes the Dolphin II acquisition program but also signals the beginning of a broader modernization effort that will reshape Israel’s submarine force in the coming decade.