JERUSALEM, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- Israel's newest submarine entered its territorial waters on Wednesday after a 25-day voyage from Germany, following months of delays linked to arms restrictions imposed by several Western countries, amid criticism of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza, Israeli state-owned Kan TV news reported.
The vessel, built by Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and dubbed "Drakon," is Israel's sixth submarine. It is also the third Israeli Dolphin-class submarine equipped with air-independent propulsion, allowing it to remain submerged for extended periods, according to information previously released by the Israeli military. Its construction and preparations took more than 12 years.
Citing senior military officials, Kan reported that Denmark and Norway refused to let the submarine use their ports during sea trials, forcing tests in international waters and delaying delivery by several months.
Kan also reported that Canada and France had denied export permits for components intended for the German-built submarine because it was bound for Israel, leading to the installation of Israeli-made alternatives instead.
The arms restrictions came amid moves by several Western governments to curb military exports to Israel over concerns about its military operations in the Gaza Strip.
The Drakon is expected to enter operational service after Israeli systems are installed over the coming months. ■
