The German Navy has just completed operational trials in the Baltic Sea for IAI’s BlueWhale autonomous submarine, together with NATO and Atlas Elektronik, a maritime hi-tech firm.
Tests examined intelligence gathering and target acquisition capabilities above and below water, in preparation for the Marine 2035 framework. The submarine is 10.9 meters in length and weighs 5.5 tons. It is equipped with advanced sensors, sonar systems and a telescopic mast that facilitate real-time transfer of information.
The trials demonstrated the technological effectiveness of integrating unmanned vessels in the military response to future threats. Just as unmanned vehicles have changed aerial warfare, new submarine technology is poised to change warfare at sea. After the agreement to supply the Arrow missile defence system, we are now pleased to further deepen military cooperation between Israel and Germany, enhancing the defence capabilities of both countries.
The autonomous unmanned BlueWhale submarine. (Credit: IAI)
