Groundbreaking autonomous submarine system strengthens German Navy capabilities amid rising maritime threats.
Israel Aerospace Industries and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have formally delivered the BlueWhale large autonomous underwater vehicle to the German Navy in a landmark step for next generation maritime warfare. The ceremony was held at Eckernförde naval base and attended by senior German defense leadership, including State Secretary Jens Plötner and Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack.
BlueWhale is a fully autonomous large scale underwater system that merges reconnaissance, advanced sensor arrays and real time data fusion within a single platform. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and enhanced in cooperation with TKMS and its ATLAS ELEKTRONIK division, the vehicle incorporates advanced anti submarine warfare towed sonar capabilities, making it a strategic asset for underwater operations.
The system is designed to support unmanned anti submarine warfare and covert maritime missions. It can conduct prolonged autonomous patrols, detect targets above and below the sea surface, gather acoustic intelligence and identify sea mines on the seabed. Extensive operational testing in the Baltic Sea, one of the most demanding maritime environments in Europe, validated its readiness for deployment.
Michael Ozegowski of TKMS ATLAS ELEKTRONIK emphasized that the platform aligns with Germany’s Kurs Marine 2035 plus modernization strategy and enhances the navy’s ability to address evolving security threats. Boaz Levy, President and CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, described the delivery as a reflection of deep strategic cooperation and technological trust between Israel and Germany, highlighting Israel’s expanding leadership in autonomous defense systems across multiple domains.
The integration of BlueWhale into Germany’s broader naval network demonstrates TKMS’s systems based approach, combining traditional naval platforms with advanced autonomous technologies and unified data architecture. The delivery underscores a forward looking partnership that strengthens Europe’s maritime defense posture while reinforcing Israel’s position as a global leader in innovative military technology.
