Third Dolphin II SSK for Israeli Navy starts sea trials

INS Drakon conducted its first dive after returning from its initial sea trials in Kiel Bay on 23 July 2025. The static dive lasted approximately 10 hours. (Michael Nitz, Naval Press Service)

The third Dolphin II-class diesel electric submarine (SSK) being built by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) for the Israeli Navy has conducted its first sea trials.

The future INS Drakon was put to sea for the first time at around 1000 h local time from tkMS' shipyard in Kiel, Germany, on 23 July.

Initial system tests were conducted northwest of Kiel Lighthouse and included propulsion and navigation systems testing.

Following the first sea trials day, the first static diving trials took place directly off tkMS' new submarine construction hall, starting around 2000 h local time on 23 July and continuing through to around 0700 h local time on 24 July. The submarine then headed for Kiel Bay to continue its sea trial programme. According to AIS (automatic identification system) portals, Drakon transited into Mecklenburg Bay near Rostock in the afternoon, before returning to tkMS shipyard at around 1100 h local time on 25 July.

The Dolphin II class incorporates a hybrid propulsion system based on air independent propulsion (AIP) fuel cells, enabling the boats to operate submerged for several weeks. The submarines are equipped with six 533 mm and four 650 mm torpedo tubes, which can employ up to 16 torpedoes and five missiles.

For more information, please see Israel hints at new submarine's capabilities .