In recent years, I’ve experienced compelling field visits across various regions, including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank. However, one of the standout moments was the opportunity to board Israel’s newest submarine, Drakon, just hours before it docked.
Journey to the Submarine
The adventure began with a swift 20-minute boat ride from Haifa’s naval base to the submarine. As we approached, only the green turret and the blue and white Israeli flag were visible, as much of the vessel remained submerged in the water. The landscape offered stunning views, with Haifa’s hilly terrain and the splendid Bahá’à Gardens as a backdrop, making for an unforgettable scene.
Our fast boat passed by older Dolphin-class submarines and various vessels before the distant Haifa skyline faded from view. Onboard was a female combat soldier tasked with assisting in navigation and maintaining vigilance against potential threats, exemplifying the evolving roles of women within the Israeli Navy, where they now represent nearly a quarter of combat and support personnel.
Exploring the INS Drakon
Upon reaching the Drakon, the first thing that caught my eye was its imposing structure and the warning “No tug,” indicating the area was off-limits to auxiliary vessels. Climbing two ladders to get aboard felt more challenging than traversing some of Hamas’s extensive tunnels in Gaza. Once inside, we received a limited tour of the submarine’s first level, but many details remained classified.
According to reports, submarines like the Drakon boast advanced technology for monitoring and intelligence collection, enabling complex missions. This includes various systems for navigation, sonar, and propulsion, reflecting the modern capabilities expected of contemporary naval vessels. Notably, several Israeli submarines are thought to be equipped for launching nuclear missiles, a crucial aspect of Israel’s strategic armaments.
Submarine Capabilities and Future Missions
During discussions with the commander of the Drakon, it became clear that the vessel is designed for extended missions, allowing the crew to remain submerged for longer periods than previous models. This advancement facilitates operations in far-flung maritime regions, underscoring Israel’s strategic need to expand its naval operations beyond familiar waters.
The Drakon is set to play a vital role in Israel’s defense strategy, particularly concerning potential conflicts in areas like Iran and Yemen. Submarine operations there are noted to be complex due to the narrow navigational challenges posed by straits like Bab al-Mandab—a reality that naval authorities are increasingly aware of, pointing to the exceptional precision required in such environments.
Additionally, Rear-Admiral Guy Levy highlighted the need to integrate artificial intelligence into naval operations, foreshadowing a future where autonomous systems may play a more significant role. As Israel’s submarines dive deeper into modernization, these vessels remain crucial to the country’s military and intelligence capabilities, standing tall against regional threats.
By the time we returned from our visit, my childhood dream of seeing a submarine, inspired by stories like The Hunt for Red October, had crystallized into reality. With the Drakon poised as a leading force in naval warfare, this experience illuminated both the intricate capabilities of modern submarines and their pivotal role in Israel’s defense posture.