The final submarine in a six-vessel series built by Germany for Israel is currently en route to the country, according to announcements from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Defense Ministry on Tuesday night. The submarine’s dispatch followed a recent send-off ceremony attended by senior naval leaders, including Israeli Navy Chief Vice Admiral Eyal Harel and German Naval Chief Jan Christian Kaack, alongside other high-ranking officials from both nations.
This delivery caps a longstanding bilateral agreement under which Germany has been producing these submarines for Israel. The submarines, manufactured by the German maritime vessel contractor TKMS—successor to the expanded ThyssenKrupp company—are considered to possess significant offensive and defensive capabilities. Foreign reports have suggested these vessels are part of Israel’s strategic deterrence posture, notably as potential delivery platforms for nuclear weapons, which form a triad alongside Israel’s land- and air-based systems. Israel, while maintaining a policy of strategic ambiguity and never publicly confirming its nuclear arsenal, has had former leaders make indirect references to its weapons program.
In February 2024, Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense technology firm, disclosed a collaboration with TKMS to begin joint production of submarine structural components in Israel. As part of this collaboration, Elbit planned to establish a new manufacturing facility dedicated to underwater Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) components, aiming to expand local production capacity and enhance Israel’s global underwater defense activities. Yoram Shmuley, General Manager of Elbit Systems’ Aerospace Division, characterized the partnership as a critical foundation for advancing underwater domain technologies.
This intensified cooperation builds on broader defense ties, including Germany’s impending deployment of the Israeli Arrow air defense system, slated for late 2025. During a visit to Berlin in December 2023, Israeli Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram and other senior officials advanced negotiations related to the submarine deal and other joint defense projects, underscoring a resilient bilateral partnership despite occasional political differences, including those arising from the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The submarines continue to play an active role in Israel’s defense strategy. The IDF Navy has conducted covert operations using its vessels to monitor and target Hezbollah positions beyond the reach of Israeli ground forces operating in southern Lebanon. These efforts have also included protecting Israel’s maritime borders and critical infrastructure, such as offshore natural gas platforms. Additionally, operational disclosures during the Israel-Hamas War highlight the submarine fleet’s involvement in missions against Iran, Yemen, and Syria, including operations that contributed to thwarting aerial threats against Israel.
In November 2024, the newest submarine in the series, named "Dragon," was unveiled in Germany by then-IDF Naval Chief Vice Admiral (ret.) David Saar Salame. It was initially expected to be delivered to Israel by late 2025, but the current dispatch indicates an accelerated schedule.
Overall, the ongoing German-Israeli defense collaboration represents a multifaceted relationship that encompasses advanced maritime platforms, missile defense technology, and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, reinforcing a robust strategic partnership between the two nations.