Germany has a remarkable new weapon at sea. The navy has received the first BlueWhale, an unmanned submarine from Israel. The system was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and is intended for anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance and detecting sea mines.
This is not a small test drone, but a full-fledged unmanned submarine more than ten metres long. With this step, Germany is clearly choosing to make more use of autonomous systems underwater, especially in the strategically sensitive Baltic Sea.
What exactly is the BlueWhale?
The BlueWhale is about 10.9 metres long and weighs around 5.5 tonnes. That makes it a serious maritime platform, not an experimental toy. The system can operate at depths of up to about 300 metres and, according to the manufacturer, can stay underwater for several weeks at a time.
Its cruising speed is around 7 knots. That does not sound fast, but for missions like this, speed matters less than endurance. The aim is to be quietly present for long periods and gather information.
On top of the hull is a retractable mast. When it rises above the water, the BlueWhale can communicate via satellite and transmit data. This lets the system share information without returning to port.
Important for anti-submarine warfare
One of the BlueWhale’s main tasks is detecting enemy submarines. The system is equipped with advanced sonar, including a towed sonar array that can pick up the sounds of other submarines.
In the Baltic Sea, where Russian and NATO ships keep a close eye on each other, that is no unnecessary luxury. The sea is relatively shallow and busy, which makes detecting submarines complex. Extra sensors underwater give Germany a better overview.
Because the BlueWhale is unmanned, it can patrol for long periods without risk to a crew. That makes it particularly suitable for permanent surveillance of sensitive areas.
Detecting sea mines and protecting cables
Besides submarines, the BlueWhale can also detect sea mines. That matters, because mines still pose a real threat in shallow seas. With special sensors, the system can map suspicious objects before larger ships enter an area.
Protecting undersea cables and pipelines is also becoming increasingly important. Communication cables and energy links on the seabed are vulnerable. Sabotage or damage can have major consequences for European countries.
An unmanned submarine that can stay in an area for weeks acts not only as an observer but also as a deterrent. Anyone who knows they are being watched permanently will be less likely to take risks.
Not a replacement for conventional submarines
The BlueWhale is not armed with torpedoes. The system is mainly intended for detection, observation and intelligence gathering. It does not replace a traditional submarine, but supports it.
Thanks to the BlueWhale, German crewed submarines can be deployed in a more targeted way. When the unmanned submarine detects suspicious activity, larger units can be sent.
That makes the BlueWhale a so-called force multiplier. The system increases the effectiveness of existing assets without the need for extra crews.
Lower costs and less risk
An important advantage of an unmanned submarine is that there is no crew on board. That not only reduces risk, but also operating costs. Fewer people are needed for training, deployment and long patrols.
At a time when European countries are raising defence spending but also have to use budgets efficiently, systems like this are attractive. They combine long-term presence with relatively limited personnel. America and Australia, for example, are also working on autonomous submarines.
A strategic step for Germany
With the introduction of the BlueWhale, Germany shows that it is betting on modern autonomous technology underwater. Where unmanned aircraft have long been commonplace, the underwater domain is now also changing rapidly.
The Baltic Sea is an important focus. Tensions with Russia, sabotage of infrastructure and increased military activity make permanent surveillance necessary.
