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Israaeel has 5 subs 3 of them are capable of launching Cruise missles....Iran has only 2 refinerys in there entire nation....Here is infof on them:NEWS & FEATURES AIR SEA LAND SPACE NUCLEAR NEWSLETTER SIGNUP ABOUT TWZ THE DRIVE News & Features Around The Globe Middle East Israel Latest Israeli Submarine’s Big Sail Seen In New Images The the much elongated sail of the INS Drakon is a change from earlier Israeli subs and may point to a vertical launch system. BY MATUS SMUTNY | PUBLISHED AUG 3, 2023 2:33 PM EDT INS DRAKON Helwin Scharn SHARE 216 MATUS SMUTNY View Matus Smutny's Articles The first photos have emerged showing the completed Israeli Navy submarine INS Drakon. With Israel being historically shy in regards to its submarine assets, having a chance to see its newest boat before its launch is rare. The photos were taken by German photographer Helwin Scharn on August 1, 2023, and he kindly shared them with The War Zone. They show INS Drakon — the latest and most advanced of Israel’s Dolphin II class attack submarines — after it came out of the construction hall in Kiel, northern Germany. INS Drakon after it emerged out of the construction hall, in Kiel, Germany, on August 1, 2023. Helwin Scharn INS Drakon after it emerged out of the construction hall, in Kiel, Germany, on August 1, 2023. Helwin Scharn One of the most striking features visible is the enormous sail, by far the largest ever seen on an Israeli submarine. Although unconfirmed, it’s widely believed that INS Drakon will have a vertical launch system (VLS) module for submarine-launched cruise missiles, installed either abaft the sail or perhaps within it, which might explain the size increase in this area. While at this point we can only guess what the sail might contain, it’s notable that concept imagery of Israel’s follow-on Dakar class submarine also reveals a much-enlarged sail, the implications of which we have discussed in detail in the past. So, the Drakon is acting as something of a bridge between the Dolphin class and the new Dakar class. A visualization of the future Dakar class submarine by TKMS. Note the prominent sail similar to the INS Drakon. TKMS A visualization of the future Dakar class submarine by TKMS. Note the prominent sail similar to the INS Drakon. TKMS Regardless, INS Drakon and the future Dakar class of advanced air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines are certainly among the most anticipated non-nuclear submarines in the world. A brief history of Israeli Navy submarines After World War II, the Israel Navy began to use former U.K. Royal Navy T-class and S-class submarines. These were followed by the first purpose-designed Gal (Type 540) class submarines, a modified variant of the German Type 206 class, one of the diesel-electric workhorses of the Cold War. The T-class submarines INS Dolphin (TZ-79), INS Leviathan (TZ-75), and INS Tanin (TZ-71), seen in 1971. Photo by Moshe Ben-Naftali The T-class submarines INS Dolphin (TZ-79), INS Leviathan (TZ-75), and INS Tanin (TZ-71), seen in 1971. Photo by Moshe Ben-Naftali Due to political sensitivities, the Gal class boats were built in the United Kingdom where they were known also as the Vickers Type 540 class. In the late 1990s, the Gal class submarines were replaced with the new, much larger Dolphin I class submarines built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Germany. These were largely based on the export-only German Type 209 class submarines but were modified and enlarged. Two views of Gal (Type 540) class submarines training with IDF special forces. Author’s collection Two views of Gal (Type 540) class submarines training with IDF special forces. Author’s collection Author’s collection Author’s collection The Type 209 family of submarines was designed by IKL in the late 1960s, under the leadership of Ulrich Gabler. It was largely based on the previous Type 206 class but added additional equipment and became the backbone of several navies around the world. Five distinct variants (Type 209/1100, 209/1200, 209/1300, 209/1400, and 209/1500), including several modifications, were built by HDW as well as the Nordseewerke shipyards and were exported to 15 countries. In total, 90 submarines were built and commissioned between 1971 and 2021. Key features of the Type 209 class submarines include low noise signatures; flexible weapon load-outs including torpedoes, missiles, and mines; advanced sonar capabilities; and an integrated weapon command and control system. Gal (Type 540) class submarines INS Gal, INS Tanin, and INS Rahav underway. Author’s collection Gal (Type 540) class submarines INS Gal, INS Tanin, and INS Rahav underway. Author’s collection Even now, Type 209 class submarines are considered among the best diesel-electric designs in the world and can be found in many navies including in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Greece (the first operator), South Korea, Turkey (the largest operator, with 14 submarines), and many others. Israel’s current submarine fleet The Dolphin II class boats are the largest to have been built in Germany since World War II and are the most expensive single assets operated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). They are specifically designed for operations in the Mediterranean Sea, with a focus on underwater surveillance and special operations. Two Dolphin II class boats have already been commissioned, INS Tanin and INS Rahav. The Israeli Navy currently operates five submarines, including a pair of the older Dolphin I class boats, as follows: Dolphin I class: INS Dolphin — commissioned in 1999, in active service INS Leviathan (meaning Whale, or Leviathan) — commissioned in 1999, in active service INS Tekumah (Revival) — commissioned in 2000, in active service Dolphin II class: INS Tanin (Crocodile) — commissioned in 2014, in active service INS Rahav (Splendor) — commissioned in 2016, in active service INS Drakon (Dragon) — under construction INS Tanin, the first of the Dolphin II subclass, at the HDW shipyard in Kiel in 2012. This boat was commissioned into service in 2014. Marco Kuntzsch/Wikimedia Commons INS Tanin, the first of the Dolphin II subclass, at the HDW shipyard in Kiel in 2012. This boat was commissioned into service in 2014. Marco Kuntzsch/Wikimedia Commons The main difference between the two batches is that the Dolphin II boats use an AIP propulsion system, whereas the Dolphin I is powered by a standard diesel-electric propulsion plant. AIP gives the submarine a greater range, speed, and operational flexibility without the need for a telltale snorkeling procedure to recharge its batteries. Modern AIP submarines can be extremely quiet and can remain submerged for weeks at a time. The Doplphin II class uses a fuel cell AIP concept which is very advanced and extremely quiet. You can read all about AIP submarines here. Dolphin I and Dolphin II class submarines. Israeli Navy Dolphin I and Dolphin II class submarines. Israeli Navy Dolphin II class boats are also larger, displacing an additional 500 tons when submerged (for a total of 2,400 tons compared to 1,900 tons), and are longer by some 10 meters (33 feet). The submarines incorporate Atlas Elektronik’s ISUS 90-1 Tactical Control System (TCS) for automatic sensor management, weapon control, navigation, and other operations. Video thumbnail Two photos of the control room of the Dolphin I class lead boat, INS Dolphin. Israeli Navy Two photos of the control room of the Dolphin I class lead boat, INS Dolphin. Israeli Navy Israeli Navy Israeli Navy The armament for both batches consists of six 533mm and four 650mm torpedo tubes able to launch heavyweight wire-guided torpedoes. These comprise the SeaHake Mod 4, an export version of the DM2A4 Seehecht originally developed by Atlas Elektronik for German Navy submarines. The larger torpedo tubes can also be used for launching cruise missiles and swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs) carrying combat swimmers. Two impressions of a German Navy Type 212A Batch II class submarine loading a DM2A4 Seehecht heavyweight torpedo. Photo by Olav StandalTangen Two impressions of a German Navy Type 212A Batch II class submarine loading a DM2A4 Seehecht heavyweight torpedo. Photo by Olav StandalTangen Photo by Olav StandalTangen Photo by Olav StandalTangen Weapon storage can accommodate up to 16 torpedoes and/or mines as well as the Popeye Turbo — a turbofan-powered submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM) with a range of at least 1,500 kilometers (932 miles). It is widely believed that the Popeye Turbo missiles can be armed with a 200-kiloton nuclear warhead, providing Israel with a second-strike capability as part of its undisclosed nuclear arsenal. Currently, these missiles are launched via torpedo tubes. One of the only photos of Israel’s shadowy Popeye Turbo submarine-launched cruise missile. Missilethreat.CSIS.org One of the only photos of Israel’s shadowy Popeye Turbo submarine-launched cruise missile. Missilethreat.CSIS.org Israeli Navy submarines — the future As the final boat of the Dolphin II class, INS Drakon is very different from her sister boats, featuring the aforementioned massive sail, far larger than those on any of the previous Dolphin class submarines. Side-by-side comparison of the INS Drakon (above) and the INS Tanin together with INS Rahav (below). The difference in the sail size is obvious, although the overall hull length seems to be roughly the same. Photos by Helwin Schran (above) and HDW (below) Side-by-side comparison of the INS Drakon (above) and the INS Tanin together with INS Rahav (below). The difference in the sail size is obvious, although the overall hull length seems to be roughly the same. Photos by Helwin Schran (above) and HDW (below) Israel photo From the photos released so far, we can assume that the hull dimensions and displacement of INS Drakon are roughly the same as the other Dolphin II class boats. As yet, there’s no visible evidence of the expected VLS compartment. It could be that it was moved from abaft the sail and incorporated into it, which would explain the size increase. A VLS module isn’t the only reason for an enlarged sail, of course. It could also contain a special release compartment for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), aerial drones, and/or other special operations and intelligence-gathering equipment. The revised sail could also be related to some kind of proof-of-concept for technology to be used in the upcoming Dakar class. The following is taken from our previous discussion of a VLS module, in relation to the Dakar class, but it applies equally to INS Drakon: Should the enlarged sail be intended to contain missiles, it would accommodate vertical launch system (VLS) cells. These could be used to launch additional cruise missiles, for extra overall capacity, while also freeing up the torpedo tubes for their primary weapons... Above all else, significantly extending the length and upgrading the Popeye Turbo missile would provide Israel with the ability to strike targets over longer ranges, which would enhance the country’s second-strike deterrent by a significant degree. These missiles may be too long to be stored and deployed vertically from the hull, but a VLS that extended through the sail would be able to accommodate their length. A mix of these updated weapons now, and possibly a ballistic missile later, is also a possibility. It’s also worth noting that broader regional security issues, especially in light of Iranian developments, including fears that Tehran might suddenly decide to pursue a nuclear weapon, may very well also be driving the development of a more robust Israeli second-strike capability. Here, a submarine-based strategic system would offer clear benefits. So far only a handful of photos of the INS Drakon have been released by the IDF and these were taken during its construction, showing the submarine’s hull. In the photos below we can see the sail area under construction, with the massive base giving the first hint of how large it will be. Also visible is the access hatch. The interior shots show cabling and piping ready for equipment installation. Two photos showing INS Drakon under construction, including the base of the large sail and the access hatch. IDF Two photos showing INS Drakon under construction, including the base of the large sail and the access hatch. IDF IDF IDF The initial batch of Dolphin I class submarines will be replaced in early 2030 by the advanced Dakar class, which also features a very large sail. Ever since the first renders of the Dakar class were released, speculation began to circulate that the sail will include a VLS module. Two more views of INS Drakon under construction. The access hatch is visible, as is the interior with cabling ready for equipment installation. IDF Two more views of INS Drakon under construction. The access hatch is visible, as is the interior with cabling ready for equipment installation. IDF IDF IDF Last year, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and the Israeli Ministry of Defense agreed on a deal for three Dakar class submarines. TKMS, the prime contractor and builder of the Dakar class, describes the design as “completely new [and] specifically engineered to fulfill the operational requirements of the Israeli Navy.” Given the secrecy that usually surrounds all Israeli submarines, we can only propose an educated guess on the technology and capabilities these submarines will actually incorporate. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that the appearance of the INS Drakon with its massive sail has immediately sparked speculation about what it may contain. Israeli submarines are already among the most advanced non-nuclear boats in the world, designed specifically for the extremely challenging waters of the Mediterranean. The worldwide naval community will be looking very closely at the future INS Drakon and Dakar class submarines as they will undoubtedly provide more hints of what the future of conventionally-powered submarine technology might look like. Contact the editor: thomas@thedrive.com

Dear Israel my suggestion is 3 fold step 1 time for the “INS RAHAV” a Cruise Missle Submarine to go on a mission to destroy Kharg Island Oil Refinery cutting Iran oil output by 50%.

step2 have the INS Submarine DRAGON destroy the nw oil refinery that Iran is building and just opened a new oil refinery have INS DRAGON launch enough torpedos or cruise missles and destroy that facility in the gulf of Oman and its new pipeline. ....

Step 3 Have the IIAF bo,b the oil refinery that Iran is building in Syria 1 mission a few JDAMS should stop the persian trouble makers.

Maybe then the citizens wil revolt and destroy the Ayakolas cockarolas and Iran goes back to eing a nice guy sign a peace treaty ith Israel and hire the israelis to rebuild the syrian oil refinery......right after DJT gets done with the crooked dnc and step 1 DJT impeach the jerk off from NY Schummer over his speaches against the supreme court I think the new AG Ron De Santis will enjoy doing that....

Since Israel has 5 subs and 2 of them have cruise missles say drop 2 missles o Kag Island adios Iran oil exports....then say thats a warning Iran screw around some more and we hit your capital!...

I wonder what he would say if 300 missles were sent to he UK?.......

The asmiral is a liar he stated on Fox that the US Navy shot downmany missless and only 100 were fired at Israel IT WAS 300 MISSLES SO STOP THE LIEING SAUDI ARABIA AND JORDAN SHOT DOWN MORE YJAT 75% OF THE MISSLES.....tHANKS jOE bIDEN THIS IS ISREAL BLOOD ON YOURS AND OBAMAS HANDS SHAME ON THE BOTH OF YOU AND CLINTON ALSO FOR BACKING YOU 3 CROOKS BIDEN OBAMA CLINTON...

Baloney someone lies as US News is a democrat shill....

Many people who refuse to learn history allow OBAMA NONSENSE to go on un-reported. Obama allowed all the Somali Muslime into America but he made sure they would only go to the Northern portions of northern states which at the time were Conservative so he saturated the areaa with Somali Muslims thats how we got the “SQUAD “ as for the rest of them AOC you fools in NYC elected / voted her and re-elected her so you alone are to blame. As for the muslims thank Barack Hussien Obama for that crapola......

The Hill as well as the Washington Post are both democrat lieing web sites period!!!!!

Rove is a looser none of his predicitioms have ever been right he is just a Bushie trying to get even for Lazy jeb who did zero for Florida except stop the stupid car inspectins Rove is like every star on Fox with very few exceptions loosers and liars.....The jerk on the BOD Paul useless Ryan the backstabber included...Where is the real leader of Fox gone to????????

No problem we will tell Ron to be quiet if he wants to be DJT,s Atty gen and clean out dc for himself when its his turn

When will [eople learn? Elections have consequesnces. You voted this fraud in so suffer you deserve it>>>>>>>>

John Idiot Bolton just like christy and haley all fired bt Trump except Haley she quit what a disgraxe...

Here is why she stinks. She quit after 1 year being the UN ambassador, she spent 12 million redueing her NYC office, She is a member of the Boeing Aircraft Board of Directors for which she is paid $250,000 a year. To a company that has 12 contracts all late for things for the US Military. an she tried to invoke a 10 cents a gallon tax on SC citizens they in SC hate her guts only the ex NYers voted for her and the fag Lindsey Graham....

Semi-right semi-wrong right on most issues but DeSantis said 2 years ago of trump runs he will not run got it get it....Trump will appoint DeSantis to be AG and he can clean out that trash pit DC and thereby clean out the swamp so in 4 years later he gets DJT endoresement and becomes POTUS and Trump spends time offf the pad helping him....That is how its done...

Larry being told by the Board of Fox say bad things about all TRUMPSTERS so as usual he drops his pants for the ass wipe Paul Ryan RINO Extraordinaire..1 man band destroying Fox 1 day at a time....

First of all people like you believe the alphabet TV networks Fox included instead of finding out where the reporter really got the info he she is stating................................... My thoughts are these are the laziest people on earth I am sure he was asked what he thought of different leaders of nations................ Then taken out of context to be used by the propagandists in the DNC for BS like this article they have done it so many times its immeasurable...

Still trying to ride daddy’s coat tales a trash mouth failed congress woman attempting to bad mouth a GREAT FEMALE CONGRESS WOMAN....An of course do it in a LIBERAL RAG THE HILL is pure democrat lies...

Hey my kids cant you get decent people voted in to the Govt first its Graham, now this nit wit whats next from the dolt state oh I know the backstabber Nikki Haley proud record SC keeep it up at this rate you will become NYC South....

Dont blame TRump look in the mirror you allowed these crooked soes to screw up a election Florida gotdone iin the same day shame oon ARIZONA SHAME on you all...

It was released Tuesday that Chief Justice Roberts refuses giving Trumps Tax Records to the liars on Pelosis witch hunt...