The Israeli Navy is set to receive its sixth German-built submarine, the INS Dragon, which departed from the Kiel shipyard operated by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), according to the manufacturer. The 68-meter vessel, equipped with ten torpedo tubes, sailed through the Kiel Canal on its journey toward the Israeli port city of Haifa, as confirmed by the Israeli military.
Strategic Deliveries and Naval Missile Tests
The delivery of the final submarine in this class coincides with a milestone test conducted by the German naval fleet. According to Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor, the German Navy recently carried out its first trial of the Israeli-developed Lora missile system, which boasts a range exceeding 500 kilometers.
“This is not a coincidence, but the result of close strategic cooperation and partnership that have grown over the years,” Ambassador Prosor told the German press agency DPA during the handover ceremony in Kiel, where he was accompanied by German naval inspector Jan Christian Kaack. The test of the Lora missile system took place in the northern Atlantic Ocean and was kept under wraps until nearly the final moment.
Did you know? The INS Dragon is the sixth submarine of its specific class delivered by Germany to Israel, marking a defense procurement and manufacturing partnership between the two nations that is a key project and is carried out over many years.
Controversies Surrounding the German-Israeli Defense Export
Despite the close military ties highlighted by officials at the Kiel ceremony, the transfer remains a lightning rod for debate. Defense experts have repeatedly raised concerns that these German-built submarines could potentially be retrofitted with nuclear capabilities, adding a layer of regional sensitivity to the naval acquisition.
Furthermore, the broader export of German military hardware to Israel faces mounting criticism from various domestic and international observers. These critics point to ongoing military actions by the Israeli armed forces in the Gaza Strip as the primary driver for halting or scrutinizing such defense shipments, though current procurement plans continue to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the INS Dragon built?
The submarine was constructed by the German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) at their shipyard in Kiel, Germany.
What is the range of the Lora missile system tested by the German Navy?
According to official statements, the Israeli-designed Lora missile system has a maximum operational range exceeding 500 kilometers.
What is the final destination of the INS Dragon?
The Israeli military confirmed that the submarine is traveling from Kiel to the northern Israeli coastal city of Haifa.
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