The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday unveiled the newest addition to the navy's submarine fleet, dubbed the INS Dragon, as part of the Shayetet 7 submarine fleet 60th-anniversary celebrations.
The Israeli Navy's submarine fleet was founded in 1959 by Lt. Col. Yosef Dror. It currently comprises five submarines: the INS Rahav, INS Tanin, INS Leviathan, INS Dolphin and the INS Tekuma.
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Navy Commander Vice Admiral Maj. Gen. Eli Sharvit recently decreed that the INS Dragon and all future submarines will be classified as Dakar-class vessels, in honor of the INS Dakar.
Video: IDF Spokesperson's Unit
The INS Dakar and its 69-man crew were lost en route to Israel on January 25, 1968. Despite extensive searches over the course of three decades, its wreckage was not found until 1999, when it was located between the islands of Cyprus and Crete at a depth of approximately 3,000 meters (9,800 feet).
Speaking at the ceremony, Sharvit said, "Sixty years have passed, generations of talented soldiers have sailed through the depths, providing the State of Israel with valuable strategic depth.
"I can say, with absolute certainty, that there is no unit like Shayetet 7 in the navy or in the IDF. Shayetet 7 is a trump card, at times the only one that can be used in battle, and its operations make it possible for the nave to be present in critical areas."
Fleet Commander Col. Assaf said, "We proudly celebrate Shayetet 7's 60th anniversary. We proudly carry on with the vision, determination and sacrifice Dror set forth for us. Today's fleet is modern and advanced, but we are no strangers to loss. Over the years we have lost 76 of our comrades.
"I hope that Shayetet 7 continues to dream and break new ground and that we continue to be victorious and always return home safely."
