Final German 'Dragon' submarine on its way to Israel as Navy continues modernization efforts
Multiple foreign publications have reported that Israeli submarines are part of a triad of nuclear deterrence that Israel possesses.
On Tuesday night, the German Navy delivered its final submarine built under a previous agreement to Israel, according to statements from the IDF and the Defense Ministry. Israeli Navy Chief V.-Adm. Eyal Harel and German Naval Chief Jan Christian Kaack, among other high-ranking officials from both countries, attended the submarine's farewell ceremony earlier in the week.
In February of this year, Elbit Systems, a leading Israeli defense contractor, hinted at a new manufacturing facility in Israel for producing underwater components of future submarines, as reported by Elbit Systems. The cooperation between TKMS, the successor company to ThyssenKrupp, and Elbit Systems aims to expand local manufacturing capabilities and contribute to global activity in the underwater domain.
In December 2025, the German-built submarines gained further prominence when Israel's Defense Ministry finalized deals with Germany, including the delivery of submarines with advanced offensive and defensive capabilities. The submarines are rumored to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, a feature that has been reported by foreign publications. Israel is believed to possess a triad of nuclear deterrence, alongside land-based and air-based weapons.
Though Israel has not officially confirmed possession of nuclear weapons, former Prime Ministers, including Ehud Olmert, have inadvertently alluded to the existence of such a program. During Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram's visit to Germany, discussions continued about the ongoing submarine deals, which possess unique offensive and defensive capabilities.
The submarine project has not only strengthened the special relationship between Berlin and Jerusalem but also highlighted the ongoing cooperation between Israel and Germany in other advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence. During this period, the Israeli Navy executed surveillance operations and conducted strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, maintaining a vigilant defense of Israel's maritime borders and strategic sites.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
