Germany tests BlueWhale hunter drone that hunts submarines

The German Navy has tested the BlueWhale underwater drone, which is designed to reconnoiter and search for enemy submarines.

Here's What We Know

Journalists have learned that the German Navy will be testing BlueWhale autonomous underwater drones from Israel Aerospace Industries until the end of November. The tests will take place in the Baltic Sea near Eckernferde.

In addition, the new drones can significantly expand the capabilities of the German Navy by providing improved operational awareness in maritime areas without the need for expensive ships and large numbers of personnel.

Flashback

BlueWhale is an unmanned submarine developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It has already successfully completed more than 2000 hours of sailing in the world's oceans, including the Mediterranean, Atlantic, North, and Indian Oceans.

This 11-metre long unmanned submarine weighs about 5.5 tonnes, making it suitable for use in shallow waters in the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea. BlueWhale has a maximum immersion depth of approximately 300 metres.

The drone is equipped with a set of acoustic and sonar sensors for detecting underwater targets, including a towed sonar. In addition, the retractable mast has optical sensors and its own radar for additional surveillance.

Source: Defence Network