Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) have deepened ties with a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance naval capabilities of the Greek Navy.
Signed at the DEFEA exhibition being held in Athens, Greece, the agreement focuses on incorporating IAI’s advanced BlueWhale autonomous submarine system into the Hellenic Navy’s fleet.
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BlueWhale is an autonomous underwater multi-mission platform measuring 10.9 metres (m) long and 1.12m in diameter. The sizable uncrewed underwater vehicle is equipped with a broad array of sophisticated sensor systems
It is engineered for complex underwater operations that are conducted without any crew onboard, thereby eliminating risk to human life, according to IAI.
Weighing 5.5 tonnes, the system can a variety of tasks including intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasure operations.
IAI said that the system has demonstrated its operational capabilities through extensive hours of diving in real-world scenarios.
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By GlobalDataUnder the terms of the strategic partnership, HAI will be significantly involved in the development and production phases of the BlueWhale system.
Additionally, IAI will provide technology transfer and access to advanced know-how, strengthening the defence manufacturing and technological innovation capabilities of both nations.
In a LinkedIn post, IAI said: “Beyond its operational impact, this partnership deepens the strategic alliance between Israel and Greece — promoting technological independence and regional stability.
“Today’s announcement is another key milestone for IAI in driving maritime defence innovation on the global stage.”
In November 2024, the German Navy completed a two-week intensive testing phase involving the BlueWhale autonomous underwater vehicle. This trial was a component of its Operational Experimentation (OPEX) programme.
Collaborating with IAI and Germany-based ATLAS Elektronik, the evaluation of the BlueWhale’s capabilities was conducted in accordance with the precise requirements set forth by both the Navy and the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Ships and Naval Weapons, also known as WTD 71.
The tests aimed to assess the vehicle’s performance and integration into their maritime operations.
