German Navy receives BlueWhale autonomous submarine

The German Navy has formally received the BlueWhale autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), developed through cooperation between Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Israel Aerospace Industries. The handover ceremony took place at the Eckernförde naval base in northern Germany, according to a statement issued by TKMS.

Part of Kurs Marine 2035+ modernization

The BlueWhale submarine will operate within Germany’s Kurs Marine 2035+ naval modernization framework, aimed at strengthening maritime capabilities amid evolving security challenges. Designed for extended autonomous missions, the large underwater drone functions as a force multiplier by significantly expanding the sensor reach of crewed naval platforms over long distances.

The system underwent operational testing in the Baltic Sea, widely regarded as one of the world’s most complex maritime theaters due to dense traffic, shallow waters and strategic infrastructure.

Advanced sonar and mine detection

Equipped with sophisticated sonar systems developed by TKMS subsidiary Atlas Elektronik, the BlueWhale can identify both submerged and surface targets, gather acoustic intelligence and detect seabed mines. German defense officials expect the platform to enhance maritime border protection and safeguard critical underwater infrastructure against rising geopolitical risks in Europe.

Growing German-Israeli defense ties

The delivery reflects expanding strategic cooperation between Berlin and Tel Aviv in undersea and air defense systems. In December 2025, Germany approved an additional $3.1 billion procurement package for the Arrow 3 anti-ballistic missile system, bringing the total value of the deal to approximately $6.7 billion, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry. Developed with US support, Arrow 3 constitutes a central pillar of Germany’s broader missile defense architecture in Europe and represents the largest defense export agreement in Israel’s history.