Feb 27, 2026 08:35 AM EST
Its sophisticated sensor array detects and tracks both subsurface and surface targets, processing data onboard to provide real-time actionable intelligence. IAI
An Israeli firm has delivered an autonomous submarine to the German Navy, marking the first unmanned submarine developed by an Israeli defense firm. BlueWhale was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to support the German Navy in unmanned antisubmarine warfare and covert maritime operations. It conducts reconnaissance, detects surface and subsurface targets, collects acoustic data, and identifies seabed mines. The system completed extensive trials in the Baltic Sea, a highly demanding operational environment. The large autonomous underwater vehicle was handed over at the Eckernförde naval base following a series of operational tests in the Baltic Sea. Developed through a joint venture with Atlas Elektronik, a subsidiary of naval firm TKMS, the system reflects growing collaboration in advanced undersea technologies. Next-gen naval sensor
BlueWhale is a fully autonomous large underwater vehicle designed to integrate reconnaissance, advanced sensing, and onboard data fusion within a single platform. Developed by IAI, the system represents a mature approach to unmanned undersea operations and is engineered for endurance, stealth, and operational flexibility. It was created to support unmanned antisubmarine warfare and covert maritime missions, providing naval forces with persistent situational awareness in complex environments. The vehicle incorporates a sophisticated sensor suite capable of detecting and tracking targets both above and below the sea surface. It collects acoustic intelligence, processes data onboard, and generates real-time actionable outputs. This embedded processing architecture reduces reliance on external systems and enables efficient autonomous decision-support functions. BlueWhale also supports mine countermeasures by locating sea mines on the seabed, expanding its operational utility across multiple mission sets. A key element of the system is its integration with advanced antisubmarine warfare technology developed by TKMS and its subsidiary Atlas Elektronik. The towed sonar capabilities enhance detection performance, reinforcing the platform’s role in undersea surveillance and threat identification. This collaborative development underscores the system’s position as a joint technological effort focused on next-generation maritime capability. “We are proud to support the navy as part of its ‘Kurs Marine 2035+’ future plan and to actively respond to current security threats with our solutions. The rapid introduction of new technologies is a common goal of industry and the navy and significantly strengthens Germany’s defense capabilities,” said Michael Ozegowski, Executive Vice President of Atlas Elektronik, in a statement . Autonomous fleet support
BlueWhale functions as an extended sensor arm for manned naval platforms, operating independently for long durations while covering wide maritime areas. Its high-efficiency battery architecture supports weeks of continuous deployment, enabling sustained intelligence collection without frequent recovery. According to TKMS, the platform is optimized for both open- ocean  and challenging littoral-water operations, where complex acoustic conditions demand advanced signal processing and adaptive sensing. Designed with compact dimensions, the vehicle can be transported within a standard 40-foot container, allowing movement by land, air, or sea. This transportability supports rapid deployment and operational scalability. An intelligent onboard controller manages sensor inputs, communications systems, and energy distribution, ensuring efficient mission execution. Secure satellite communications provide integration with command and control networks, allowing seamless data transfer while maintaining operational security. According to IAI, engineered for stealth, endurance, and multi-domain awareness, BlueWhale enhances undersea intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. By combining autonomous navigation, integrated sensor technology, and advanced data processing, the system delivers persistent maritime awareness and strengthens naval operations in contested environments. Recommended Articles

Germany receives unmanned submarine built for anti-submarine warfare from Israel

Die Bundesmarine hat ihre bisher größte eine Unterwasserdrohne in Dienste gestellt. Blue Whale ist für Aufklärungseinsätze in der Ostsee gedacht. Der in Israel entwickelte Blue Whale ist das derzeit größte unbemannte Unterwasserfahrzeug der Marine. Damit beginne der Aufbau einer hybriden Flotte, sagt der Inspekteur der Marine. Weiterlesen nach der Anzeige
Als Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (Large UUV) bezeichnet die Bundesmarine den Blue Whale. Der ist knapp 11 Meter lang, hat einen Durchmesser von gut einem Meter und bringt 5,5 Tonnen auf die Waage. Das elektrisch angetriebene Unterwasserfahrzeug bewegt sich mit einer Geschwindigkeit von etwa 13 km/h und soll zwei- bis vierwöchige Missionen unternehmen. Entwickelt hat es der israelische Luft- und Raumfahrtkonzern Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Einen Teil der technischen Ausstattung hat Atlas Elektronik, eine Tochter des Kieler Rüstungsunternehmen ThyssenKrupp Marine System (TKMS), beigesteuert, darunter ein spezielles Sonarsystem. Suche nach U-Booten und Drohnen
Blue Whale ist für Aufklärungseinsätze gedacht: Das UUV soll Unterwasserziele, also U-Boote oder andere Unterwasserdrohnen, aufspüren und verfolgen. Dafür ist es unter anderem mit einem „Towed Array Sonar“ ausgestattet. Das ist ein Schleppsonar, das Blue Whale hinter sich herzieht und das Unterwasserobjekte über und unter sogenannten Sprungschichten erfasst und klassifiziert. Es ist passiv, das heißt, es sendet keine Schallimpulse aus, sondern empfängt nur. Daneben kann Blue Whale auch Überwasserschiffe verfolgen. Dafür ist das unbemannte U-Boot wie ein konventionelles mit einem ausfahrbaren Seerohr ausgestattet, an dem verschiedene Kameras angebracht sind. Lesen Sie auch
Die Beschaffung der Drohne dauerte nach Aussage von Vizeadmiral Jan Christian Kaack nur wenige Monate, was im Bereich des Militärs enorm schnell ist. „Mit der Übernahme des ersten Blue Whale setzen wir den Kurs Marine in Sachen Einführung unbemannter Systeme unter Wasser konsequent um“, sagte der Inspekteur der Marine. „Der Aufbau einer hybriden Flotte startet genau jetzt.“
Weiterlesen nach der Anzeige
Diese wird aus konventionellen, bemannten Schiffen bestehen, die zusammen mit unbemannten operieren. Letztere können beispielsweise näher an Gefahrenstellen eingesetzt werden als bemannte und damit das Leben der Besatzungen schützen. Einsatz in der Ostsee
Die Bundesmarine hat das Large UUV Ende 2024 vor Eckernförde getestet . In der dortigen Marinebasis wird es auch stationiert, das Einsatzgebiet wird die Ostsee. Seit dem russischen Angriff auf die Ukraine vor vier Jahren ist die Ostsee zu einem Krisengebiet geworden. Mehrfach wurden in den vergangenen Jahren Unterseekabel in der Ostsee zerstört . Im Verdacht stand jeweils die russische Schattenflotte . Videos by heise

Bundesmarine bekommt Unterwasserdrohen Blue Whale

נוספת, כך דיווחו היום כלי התקשורת בגרמניה. כבר בקיץ האחרון דווח כי הגרמנים מתעניינים ברכישת כלי השיט האוטונומי Bluewhale, שפותח על ידי החברה הישראלית בשיתוף חברת ATLAS הגרמנית, חברת בת של תיסנקרופ. היום הועברה הצוללת בטקס חגיגי שהתקיים בעיר אקנפרדה ליד קיל. בטקס השתתפו מהצד הגרמני נציגים בכירים ממשרד הביטחון והצי הגרמני. עד כה, הייתה זו ישראל שהצטיידה בשש צוללות גרמניות מתקדמות (השישית עדיין לא נמסרה) בעלות של מיליארדי אירו ובמימון חלקי של גרמניה.  הצוללת הבלתי-מאוישת Bluewhale היא כלי שיט באורך של 10.9 מטרים, ומשמשת בעיקר לצרכי איסוף מודיעין באמצעים אלקטרוניים ובחשאיות. לפי דיווחי הצבא הגרמני היא כבר נבחנה במהלך הקיץ האחרון בפעילות בים הבלטי, שבו היא גם צפויה לפעול אחרי הרכישה. כלי השיט יכול גם לקחת חלק באיתור צוללות עוינות וכלי שיט אחרים, לסייע בפינוי מוקשים ובפעילות מודיעינית אחרת, כך לפי ההודעה. לפי הדיווחים הפומביים על הצוללת, היא שוקלת כ-5.5 טון, מסוגלת לצלול לעומק של 300 מטר ולהישאר בים במשך שבועות, וזאת תלוי בסוג הפעילות שלה. היא מכילה מגוון של מערכות מכ"ם, סיגינט ומערכות אלקטרו-אופטיות. בתוך התעשייה האווירית, חברת הבת אלתא היא שאחראית על הצוללת הבלתי-מאוישת ולשיתופי הפעולה הבינלאומיים הכרוכים בייצורה.  גם יוון מעוניינת להצטייד ב-BlueWhale  בועז לוי, מנכ"ל התעשייה האווירית, אמר בהקשר למסירה, לפי הודעת חברת TKMS כי "המערכות האוטונומיות של התעשייה האווירית באוויר, בים, ביבשה ובחלל נמצאות בשימוש מבצעי המספק יתרון טכנולוגי משמעותי, תוך שיפור היכולת להגן על חייהם של לוחמים בשטח. מסירת ה-BlueWhale לחיל הים הגרמני מדגימה את שיתוף הפעולה ההדוק שיש לנו עם TKMS ATLAS ELEKTRONIK ואת מידת האמון ההדדי בין ישראל לגרמניה".  הים הבלטי, על שלל תשתיות התקשורת שלו (ובעבר גם תשתיות הובלת גז טבעי כמו נורדסטרים) הוא ה"בטן הרכה" של גרמניה ושל מדינות אירופיות נוספות. בשנים האחרונות רבו המקרים של קריעת כבלי תקשורת על ידי סירות סיניות ורוסיות, או כאלו הקשורות אליהן, במה שהאירופאים תופסים כניסיון לשבש את התקשורת וכאיום אפשרי למקרה של מלחמה. ביוון, שגם היא נמצאת בשלבים מתקדמים לרכש ה-Bluewhale מידי התעשייה האווירית, ציינו אנליסטים כי המחיר מוערך בכ-80 מיליון אירו. המסירה היום בגרמניה מסמנת את המכירה הגלובלית הראשונה של המערכת וייתכן כי מדינות נוספות יהיו מעוניינות לרכוש את הצוללת.

היוצרות התהפכו: התעשייה האווירית מסרה צוללת לחיל הים הגרמני

The delivery took place today at the Eckernförde naval base, “marking a significant milestone for autonomous underwater systems,” IAI says in a statement.  IAI says BlueWhale, first revealed in 2023, was “developed to support the German Navy in unmanned anti-submarine warfare and covert maritime missions.”  It underwent testing in the Baltic Sea, “one of the most demanding and complex areas of operation for the German Navy,” according to the Israeli defense firm.  BlueWhale uses radar and electro-optical systems to detect sea and coastal targets. It is also equipped with sonar capabilities to gather intelligence, detect manned and unmanned submarines, and map out naval mines, IAI says.  Thyssenkrupp's Atlas Elektronik subsidiary developed BlueWhale's towed array sonar, making it a joint project between the German shipbuilder and IAI.  BlueWhale joins a swiftly growing array of unmanned underwater vehicles developed over the last several years as navies around the world scramble to upgrade their naval defense technologies and protect offshore assets, such as undersea pipelines.

Israel delivers unmanned spy submarine to German Navy

Michael Ozegowski, Executive Vice President of TKMS ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, stated: “TKMS is consistently expanding its capabilities in the autonomous sector. We are proud to support the navy as part of its ‘Kurs Marine 2035+' future plan and to actively respond to current security threats with our solutions. The rapid introduction of new technologies is a common goal of industry and the navy and significantly strengthens Germany's defense capabilities."  Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, added: "IAI's autonomous systems in the air, at sea, on land and in space are in operational use that provides significant technological advantage, while improving the ability to protect the lives of combatants in the field. The delivery of the BlueWhale to the German Navy demonstrates the close cooperation we have with TKMS ATLAS ELEKTRONIK and the degree of mutual trust between Israel and Germany."  BlueWhale was developed to support the German Navy in unmanned anti-submarine warfare and covert maritime missions. The vehicle is capable of conducting reconnaissance operations, detecting targets above and below the sea surface, collecting acoustic information, and locating sea mines on the seabed. The delivery of BlueWhale follows intensive testing in the Baltic Sea, one of the most demanding and complex areas of operation for the German Navy.  BlueWhale acts as an extended sensor arm for manned platforms, operating autonomously over long periods of time and covering large areas of sea. The prospective integration of BlueWhale into the overall network underscores TKMS's integrated systems approach. As Europe's only fully integrated maritime systems provider, TKMS combines proven platforms, autonomous systems, and uniform software and data architecture.  The delivery of the BlueWhale marks the future-oriented cooperation between TKMS, IAI, and the German Navy and sets another milestone for innovative projects in the field of unmanned underwater systems.

IAI delivers autonomous submarine defense vehicle to Germany

CFF Fluid Control is a company focused on engineering and manufacturing mission critical systems for the defence and energy sectors. They specialize in creating customized equipment that meets stringent industry standards. The company primarily serves the defence and energy sectors with their tailored solutions. It was founded in 2012 and is based in Mumbai, India.

CFF Fluid Control

The partnership between CFF Fluid Control Ltd and Atlas Elektronik will build on this base in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Indian Navy 's front-line platforms , '' it said .

CFF, Atlas Elektronik partner for indigenous sonar project

The UK Ministry of Defence is a ministerial department responsible for national defense and security within the defense sector. The ministry oversees the armed forces, including the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, and is involved in defense procurement, military strategy, and operations to protect the United Kingdom's interests at home and abroad. It is based in London, England.

UK Ministry of Defence

Atlas Elektronik UK contracted to deliver additional ARCIMS USV to RN

Magellan Aerospace provides assemblies and systems solutions for the aerospace, defense, and space sectors. The company designs and manufactures products, including aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies, military and space market products, and offers repair and overhaul services for engines and components. Magellan Aerospace works with aircraft and engine manufacturers, defense, and space agencies. Magellan Aerospace was formerly known as Fleet Aerospace. It was founded in 1996 and is based in Mississauga, Canada.

Magellan Aerospace

`` The partnership between ATLAS ELEKTRONIK and Magellan Aerospace Corporation will bring to market an innovative new torpedo defence system that will be the first of its kind , in this growing market , `` said Mr. Haydn Martin , Magellan Aerospace Corporation 's Vice President , Business Development , Marketing and Contracts .

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK CANADA and Magellan Aerospace Corporation agree on development and design of SeaSpider™ Anti Torpedo Torpedo - ATLAS ELEKTRONIK

The Royal Navy is a military organization focused on maritime defense and security. Its main services include maintaining the stability of the high seas, acting as a guardian and diplomat, and providing humanitarian assistance in times of crises. The company's offerings are primarily targeted towards the defense sector. It is based in Portsmouth, England.

Royal Navy

KONGSBERG is an international technology group. It provides solutions across various sectors. It offers products and services for operations in extreme conditions. It serves sectors such as defense, energy, maritime, fisheries, and aerospace. It specializes in oil and gas, merchant marine, offshore and subsea, space, technology, and more. It was founded in 1814 and is based in Kongsberg, Norway.

KONGSBERG

TK Elevator

thyssenkrupp

Commerzbank

Acquired

Atlas Elektronik specializes in equipment and systems for naval forces. The company has a balanced technology base and product program for submarines and surface vessels. Atlas Elektronik aids in the development of integrated sonar systems for submarines.

Date	12/31/2005
Round	Acquired
Amount
Investors	EADS - European Aeronautics Defence and Space, and thyssenkrupp
Valuation	$XXM
Revenue	0 FY undefined
Sources	1

First funding	Last Funding	Investor	Rounds	Board Seats	Type	Location
12/31/2005	12/31/2005	EADS - European Aeronautics Defence and Space	1 Acquired		Corporation	France
00/00/0000	00/00/0000	thyssenkrupp	Subscribe to see more		Corporation	Germany

First funding	12/31/2005	00/00/0000
Last Funding	12/31/2005	00/00/0000
Investor	EADS - European Aeronautics Defence and Space	thyssenkrupp
Rounds	1 Acquired	Subscribe to see more
Board Seats
Type	Corporation	Corporation
Location	France	Germany

Date	12/28/2022
Round	Corporate Minority
Company	VSense
Amount
New?	Yes
Co-Investors
Sources	1

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