After embargo by European countries: INS Drakon arrives in Israel

INS Drakon, the sixth submarine of the Israeli Navy, will dock in Israel tomorrow after a 25-day voyage from Germany. Its arrival was delayed for months due to an embargo imposed by Norway and Denmark. The submarine has AIP capabilities for extended underwater endurance, and arrives amid the war in Iran and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

INS Drakon, the sixth submarine of the Israeli Navy, will dock in Israel tomorrow after a 25-day voyage from Germany. The submarine departed on September 1 from the port of Kiel and sailed 3,792 miles. Its arrival was delayed for months due to an embargo imposed by Norway and Denmark, which did not allow it to pass through their waters despite sailing under the German flag. The embargo is expected to also affect the timelines of the next submarine project. The submarine weighs 2,600 tons and is 74 meters long, with AIP capabilities for extended underwater endurance. Its crew consists of 50-55 officers and fighters who trained in Germany for two months before departure. The submarine's arrival occurs against the backdrop of the war in Iran and the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, which have made the maritime arena central to national security. In Israel, it is emphasized that 98% of the GDP arrives by sea. The Navy is watching with concern the strengthening of Turkey, which has 14 submarines, Egypt with eight submarines, and Greece with nine. Five new Reshef-class ships are expected to enter service in 2028, and in the future, three additional Dakar-class submarines.