Israel Launches New Submarine With ‘Secret’ Missiles

The Israeli Navy has launched a new submarine equipped with advanced missiles.

Named the INS Drakon, the new underwater vehicle is the latest variant of the Dolphin-II class submarine operated by Jerusalem.

Compared to its predecessors, the new submarine is significantly longer, featuring air-independent power and two large missile silos.

According to a report by Naval News, developers increased the size of the vehicle to support more functions, including a hangar for underwater drones or rescue submersibles.

‘Mysterious’ Weapon

The exact nature of the missile fitted into the new submarine remains unknown.

However, some speculate that it is a ballistic missile with a guided final stage due to the long missile tubes in the hull.

The INS Drakon has both torpedo tubes for nuclear armed cruise missiles and a vertical launch tube.

Such features would allow the submarine to accommodate two sets of missiles: conventional and nuclear.

It would allow the vessel to conduct land attack missions as well as maintain nuclear deterrence.