The German Navy is conducting tests on a cutting-edge BlueWhale underwater drone developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
This advanced unmanned submarine is specifically designed for covert reconnaissance and tracking enemy submarines, potentially boosting Germany's naval capabilities without relying on costly ships and large personnel numbers.
The tests are taking place in the Baltic Sea near Eckernförde and will continue until the end of November, according to Defense Network.
These trials are being conducted in cooperation with the Bundeswehr Office for Equipment, Information Technology, and Technical Support (BAAINBw), with preliminary results reported as "extremely promising."
A New Era in Submarine Hunting
The BlueWhale is an autonomous underwater drone weighing around 5.5 tons and measuring 11 meters in length.
Its design allows it to operate at depths of up to 300 meters, making it ideal for use in shallow coastal waters, like those of the Baltic Sea. The drone is outfitted with sophisticated acoustic and sonar sensors, including a towed sonar for tracking underwater targets.
Equipped with a retractable mast that holds optical sensors and radar, the BlueWhale can gather extensive data while remaining undetected, either by using passive sensors or engaging in more active reconnaissance.
Capabilities and Performance
The BlueWhale has already proven its effectiveness with over 2,000 hours of successful operation across the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Indian Oceans. The drone can operate at speeds of up to 7 knots (13 km/h) and can carry out missions for up to four weeks.
Besides hunting submarines, BlueWhale is capable of mapping the seabed, identifying mine barriers, and generating detailed maritime maps.
Its onboard computer processes sensor data and transmits critical information via satellite communications to nearby ships or naval units.
