Defense officials push to expand Israel's submarine fleet as Turkey continues naval buildup

The report follows a send-off ceremony in late August for the Israel's newest submarine, attended by Israel Navy Chief V.-Adm. Eyal Harel and German Naval Chief V.-Adm. Jan Christian Kaack.Follow us on GoogleNew German-made Israeli submarine 'INS Drakon' embarks from Germany for Israel, September 21, 2026.(photo credit: ARMY RADIO)SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 10:11Israel's defense establishment recommended expanding the Navy's submarine fleet to eight vessels amid Turkey's naval buildup, Army Radio reported on Tuesday.The officials made their recommendation to Israel's political leadership as the country monitors Turkey's acquisition of German-made submarines, with the current Turkish fleet of fourteen set to expand to eighteen in the coming years.The Israel Navy currently operates 5 such submarines, with a sixth, the INS Drakon, on its way to Israeli shores.The defense officials emphasized that the fleet expansion should involve the replacement of older vessels, instead of simply increasing the numbers overall, according to Army Radio.The report noted that Israel's contract with Germany currently allows for the order of a seventh submarine, each costing around one billion euros.New German-made Israeli submarine 'INS Drakon' embarks from Germany for Israel, September 21, 2026. (credit: ARMY RADIO)Senior defense officials told Army Radio that they intend to push the issue in a "structured manner," as the procurement cannot take place until the October elections are over.Final German 'Dragon' submarine on its way to IsraelThe report follows a send-off ceremony in late August for the INS Drakon, attended by Israel Navy Chief V.-Adm. Eyal Harel and German Naval Chief V.-Adm. Jan Christian Kaack, along with other top Israeli and German officials.The IDF and the Defense Ministry announced the vessel's departure for Israel on September 1, with the new submarine one of Germany's new "Dragon" models.The German-made submarines can deliver nuclear weapons, according to foreign reports, which further reported on Israel's alleged triad of nuclear deterrence, namely land-, sea-, and air-based attack capabilities.Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.Follow us on Google