The Israeli Navy has launched a new submarine equipped with advanced missiles.
Named the INS Drakon, the new underwater vehicle is the latest variant of the Dolphin-II class submarine operated by Jerusalem.
Compared to its predecessors, the new submarine is significantly longer, featuring air-independent power and two large missile silos.
According to a report by Naval News, developers increased the size of the vehicle to support more functions, including a hangar for underwater drones or rescue submersibles.
Touchdown!!! Die „Dragon“ hat Wasser unterm Kiel. #INSDrakon #Tkms #MadeinKiel pic.twitter.com/u4LidBInA9
— Frank Behling🇪🇺 (@KielDolphin) August 14, 2023
‘Mysterious’ Weapon
The exact nature of the missile fitted into the new submarine remains unknown.
However, some speculate that it is a ballistic missile with a guided final stage due to the long missile tubes in the hull.
The INS Drakon has both torpedo tubes for nuclear-armed cruise missiles and a vertical launch tube.
Such features would allow the submarine to accommodate two sets of missiles: conventional and nuclear.
It would allow the vessel to conduct land attack missions as well as maintain nuclear deterrence.
