German Navy chief visits Israel to discuss underwater drone technologies.

According to information published by the German MoD on July 18, 2024, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Chief of the German Navy, made his inaugural visit to Israel, where he met with his Israeli counterpart, Vice Admiral David Saar Salama. The visit focused on the exploration of future naval technologies, including underwater drones.
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BlueWhale Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. (Picture source: IAI)

The recent discussions between German and Israeli naval leaders likely centered on the BlueWhale underwater drone, a collaboration between Israel's Elta Systems and Germany's Atlas Elektronik.

The BlueWhale system enhances anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities by integrating Elta’s autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technology with Atlas Elektronik’s towed passive sonar array. This combination allows it to detect and track submarines at depths typically used to avoid detection, providing a strategic advantage in underwater surveillance and combat scenarios.

Strategically, the BlueWhale offers several advantages for the German Navy. Its advanced detection capabilities significantly enhance maritime security by improving the ability to monitor and track submarines in critical regions such as the Baltic and North Seas.

The system acts as a force multiplier, extending the operational reach of German naval forces and allowing for more efficient allocation of resources. Additionally, the cost efficiency of autonomous operations reduces the need for extensive manned missions, allowing for more frequent and comprehensive underwater surveillance.

The AUV measures 10.9 meters in length and weighs 5.5 tons, making it a substantial platform for underwater missions. It can operate continuously for up to 30 days, with speeds ranging from 2 to 7 knots, depending on the mission requirements.