German Navy tests BlueWhale underwater drone for covert ship tracking

Posted on

The German Navy tested the BlueWhale underwater drone in the Baltic Sea last month as part of efforts to develop a fleet of unmanned vessels for anti-submarine warfare. Manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the BlueWhale is equipped with cameras and sensors for detecting submarines and mines while operating without emitting detectable signals. The tests, conducted in collaboration with Atlas Elektronik, support Germany’s “Marine 2035+” strategy to integrate unmanned technologies into naval operations. Dror Bar of IAI highlighted the drone’s compatibility with existing NATO interfaces, enabling seamless integration into alliance networks. This marks a significant step in modernizing Germany’s naval capabilities through advanced autonomous systems.

Original news

Related Posts

KNDS, Rheinmetall, Thales move ahead on next-generation tank project

KNDS, Rheinmetall (RHM.DE), and Thales (HO.PA) have signed a shareholder agreement to create a joint company for developing the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), a next-generation main battle tank for Germany and France. Each partner will hold a 25% stake in the new company. The MGCS is designed to replace the Leopard 2 and Leclerc tanks, with a planned introduction by 2040, although France is pushing for deployment by 2035. KNDS France CEO Nicolas Chamussy highlighted the collaboration as a combination of French and German expertise in battle tank technology. The project aims to counter evolving battlefield threats, such as […]

Helsing Launches New Drone, Signaling Strategic Shift to Hardware

European defense startup Helsing, valued at $4.5 billion, has shifted from a software-only focus to hardware with the launch of its HX-2 drone. Originally centered on AI software to enhance military capabilities, Helsing has pivoted to hardware manufacturing, challenging traditional defense giants like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. The HX-2 drone, designed for swarm operations and targeting armored vehicles, marks a strategic shift for the company under CEO Torsten Reil. Manufactured in Germany, the HX-2 reflects Helsing’s broader goal to secure NATO’s eastern flank through partnerships with European arms manufacturers. With plans to produce tens of thousands of drones annually, Helsing […]

UK, Sweden Join European Ground-Launched Cruise Missile Effort

Sweden has officially joined the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA) initiative, formalizing its participation with a letter of intent signed by Defense Minister Pål Jonson. The decision was announced after a NATO defense ministers’ meeting, with Jonson emphasizing the importance of long-range strike capabilities highlighted by the war in Ukraine. The ELSA initiative, launched in June 2024 by France, Germany, and Poland, aims to develop a ground-launched cruise missile with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. European defense company MBDA is expected to lead the missile’s development if the project moves forward. The United Kingdom also recently joined […]