German Navy Deploys Israeli Drone Sub To Counter Baltic Threats
Nathan Klabin reports that the German Navy recently tested the Israeli-developed BlueWhale autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in the Baltic Sea, aiming to bolster defense against hybrid threats like suspected Russian sabotage of undersea cables. The 5.5-ton unmanned submarine, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), can operate autonomously for weeks, identify targets, and map the seabed using advanced sonar systems. Its deployment aligns with Germany’s modernized defense strategies and increased NATO coordination, particularly in the Baltic Sea, a key region in tensions with Russia.
The test follows incidents of severed undersea cables between Finland, Germany, Lithuania, and Sweden on November 18, which German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius labeled as “sabotage.” The BlueWhale’s capabilities could enhance Germany’s efforts to secure critical infrastructure in a region increasingly vulnerable to Russian hybrid tactics.
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Kobi Michael, a security expert, noted to Klabin that Israel’s sale of defensive technologies to Germany does not risk provoking Russia, especially since Israel has refrained from supplying offensive weapons to Ukraine. Former Israeli Ambassador to Germany Jeremy Issacharoff highlighted the strong strategic partnership between Israel and Germany, emphasizing trust, technological fit, and shared defense priorities.
IAI CEO Boaz Levy stated that the BlueWhale is integral to IAI’s maritime solutions, from submarine detection to economic zone protection. Germany’s defense upgrades reflect its commitment to NATO’s 2% GDP target and countering Russia’s influence.
As Klabin explains, the growing collaboration between Israel and Germany underscores their shared security concerns in an era of evolving threats. To learn more about this groundbreaking technology and its geopolitical implications, read the full article.
