The German Navy has officially taken possession of the BlueWhale, a large autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), in a ceremony held at the Eckernförde naval base. The system was handed over by manufacturer thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), marking a significant step in the navy’s push toward unmanned maritime operations.
Attending the handover were senior defense officials, including Jens Plötner, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Defense, and Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack. The delivery represents a key milestone within the framework of the navy’s “Kurs Marine 2035+” modernization plan, which emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge technology to address evolving security threats.
Developed by IAI, the BlueWhale is a first-of-its-kind fully autonomous system designed for long-endurance missions. It combines advanced reconnaissance capabilities, multi-sensor technology, and sophisticated data fusion into a single platform. TKMS, through its subsidiary ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, enhanced the vehicle by integrating a specialized towed sonar array for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), making the project a collaborative effort between the two defense firms.
The AUV is engineered to operate covertly for extended periods, serving as an extended sensor arm for manned vessels. It can cover vast maritime areas while detecting targets both above and below the surface. Its mission profile includes gathering acoustic intelligence, conducting reconnaissance, and identifying sea mines on the seabed. The system underwent rigorous testing in the challenging conditions of the Baltic Sea prior to its acceptance by German naval forces.
Michael Ozegowski, Executive Vice President of TKMS ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, highlighted the strategic importance of the delivery, stating that the company is dedicated to expanding its autonomous capabilities to support the navy in responding effectively to current security challenges. He emphasized that the rapid introduction of such technologies is a shared objective between industry and the military, ultimately strengthening national defense.
Boaz Levy, CEO and President of IAI, noted that the handover underscores the strong partnership between Israel and Germany. He pointed out that IAI’s autonomous systems are already in operational use across multiple domains, providing significant technological advantages and enhancing force protection.
The BlueWhale’s delivery is more than a procurement milestone; it signals a shift in naval doctrine toward greater reliance on unmanned systems. As Europe’s only fully integrated maritime systems provider, TKMS views the platform as a crucial component of a broader networked ecosystem. The company plans to integrate the BlueWhale into a unified software and data architecture, allowing it to operate seamlessly alongside traditional naval assets. This handover sets the stage for future joint projects in unmanned underwater technology, reinforcing the collaborative defense efforts between Germany and Israel.
