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Thursday, 5 November 2026dailybeirut.com
World
The Israeli submarine "Dragon," the sixth in Israel's fleet and third of the upgraded Dolphin AIP class, is expected to arrive in Israel this week after departing a German shipyard three weeks ago under tight security.
The Israeli submarine "Dragon" is scheduled to reach Israel this week, according to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. It left a shipyard in Germany three weeks ago and has been traveling under heightened security measures.
"Dragon" is the sixth submarine in Israel’s naval fleet and the third vessel in the Dolphin AIP class. This variant features an improved air-independent propulsion system, enabling extended underwater operations without surfacing for air.
The submarine’s voyage from German territorial waters to the Mediterranean Sea has been conducted under strict secrecy and intensive escort. Intelligence assessments suggest that countries including Turkey, Russia, and China may attempt to intercept the vessel or gather any available information about it.
Israel has not officially confirmed details regarding the submarine’s armament or its capacity to carry advanced weaponry. However, foreign reports state that Israeli submarines are capable of carrying nuclear weapons—described as “doomsday weapons”—intended for use only if Israel faces an existential threat.
A formal ceremony will be held at the naval base in Haifa coinciding with the arrival of the "Dragon" submarine in Israel this week.
