IAI unveils BlueWhale unmanned submarine

IAI has developed its first unmanned mini submarine, named BlueWhale. (IAI)

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled its first unmanned mini submarine, named BlueWhale.

Developed by IAI’s subsidiary Elta Systems, the modular, electric-propelled large autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is designed for covert intelligence-gathering operations above the sea surface, as well as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and minehunting missions.

According to IAI, BlueWhale has already undergone thousands of hours of submerged and autonomous operations in conditions up to Sea State 5, including intelligence-gathering for both maritime and coastal targets, acoustic intelligence-gathering, and identifying the presence of naval mines. The company claims the platform can perform a significant portion of the operations of a manned submarine, for periods of several weeks, at minimal cost and maintenance.

Speaking at SAE Media Group’s Uncrewed Maritime Systems Technology 2023 (UMST 2023) conference on 3 May, Udi Erell, IAI naval specialist, land and naval systems division, said BlueWhale could best be described as a ‘submarine force multiplier’.