Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Programs (TKMS) has delivered to the Israel Navy the IMS Drakon submarine – the most costly submarine ever obtained by Israel, German web site ‘Marine Discussion board’ studies. The supply had initially been scheduled for 2025 however was delayed.
IMS Drakon is the sixth submarine procured by Israel from TKMS for its seventh fleet and the largest inbuilt Germany for the reason that Second World Warfare. Its price is estimated at €550 million ($634 million).
For submarines, Israel is totally depending on Germany normally and TKMS specifically, and this dependence is predicted to proceed within the coming decade. Above water, nevertheless, a sure transfer in direction of independence has occurred. In December 2024, the Ministry of Protection signed, for the primary time in additional than twenty years, an settlement with Israel Shipyards to buy 5 superior Reshef-type assault ships, price about $840 million. These ships are supposed to switch the Nirit ships, that are anticipated to be retired after 40 years of operations.
Three extra on the best way
In 2018, the Israel Navy determined to halt improvement of the superior TKMS submarine, which was virtually full, and make strategic adjustments and enhancements, together with changing elements. The most important alterations took time and prices rose. The design and planning part of every submarine lasted three years, whereas building lasted seven years. Amongst different issues, in contrast to Israel’s first three submarines, the IMS Tanin, IMS Rahav, and IMS Drakon have an AIP system, which permits batteries to be charged underwater, thus permitting for an extended dive time.
In line with worldwide media studies, the IMS Drakon is over 70 meters lengthy. The submarine’s measurement permits it to hold a bigger crew in addition to a wider vary of kit and weapons. Its weight exceeds 2,000 tons, making it the most important and strongest submarine within the Center East. In line with a report by “Der Spiegel,” the IMS Tanin and IMS Rahav submarines can keep underwater for as much as 18 days and attain a velocity of 25 knots, which is about 46.3 kilometers per hour.
Wanting forward, three extra Dakar-class submarines are anticipated to reach in Israel beginning in 2031, at a fee of 1 each 18 months, changing the Dolphin, Leviathan and Tekuma submarines, which entered service in 1999 and 2000. Israel signed the contract with TKMS in 2022, at an estimated price of €3 billion. The German authorities is predicted to finance about 20% of the price of the deal.
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The submarine trade is predicted to be a serious anchor within the German- Israeli protection relationship within the coming many years. By way of Israeli gross sales, the Arrow 3 deal has positioned Germany as Israel’s second largest protection exports buyer between 2021 and 2025, in accordance with knowledge from the Stockholm Worldwide Peace Analysis Institute (SIPRI). German procurements accounted for 21% of Israeli protection exports. India was in first place, with 29%, and in third place was the US with 7.8%.
Printed by Globes, Israel enterprise information – en.globes.co.il – on August 5, 2026.
© Copyright of Globes Writer Itonut (1983) Ltd., 2026.
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