Israel Aerospace Industries has delivered its first autonomous submarine, known as BlueWhale, to the German Navy following joint development with Atlas Elektronik, a subsidiary of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. The handover took place at a naval base in Eckernförde after successful sea trials in the Baltic Sea.

The unmanned vessel was tested under Germany’s Navy 2035+ modernization initiative, which focuses on rapidly integrating new technologies into operational service. Neither side disclosed the number of submarines Germany may acquire or the financial scope of the agreement.

BlueWhale can operate underwater for up to two to three weeks at a speed of seven knots, depending on mission requirements. Equipped with surface and subsurface sensors, it is designed for missions such as anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, mine detection, and covert maritime operations, serving as an extended sensor platform for crewed naval assets.

The delivery marks a deepening of defense ties between Israel and Germany. It follows other major defense cooperation projects, including air defense systems and submarine programs, as both countries expand collaboration in advanced military technologies.