Greece and Israel Join Forces to Equip Hellenic Navy with BlueWhale Autonomous Submarines

In a major boost for maritime defense, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the advanced BlueWhale autonomous submarine system to the Hellenic Navy. The agreement was officially announced during the prestigious DEFEA defense exhibition, highlighting a new chapter in the growing defense and industrial cooperation between Greece and Israel.

A Strategic Defense Partnership

This partnership is not just about delivering a new system — it’s about building long-term technological collaboration. Under this agreement, HAI will play a crucial role in the production, integration, and further development of the BlueWhale system. This cooperation will allow Greek engineers and experts to work closely with Israeli teams, gaining access to advanced underwater defense technology while strengthening Greece’s local defense industry.

It also opens the door for technology transfer initiatives, ensuring that Greece not only operates cutting-edge systems but can also maintain and upgrade them independently in the future.

What is the BlueWhale Autonomous Submarine?

Developed by IAI, the BlueWhale is a large, uncrewed underwater vehicle designed to perform many of the same missions as a traditional manned submarine, but without putting human lives at risk. Its capabilities cover a wide range of underwater operations, including:

• Covert Intelligence Gathering

• Submarine and Underwater Target Detection

• Mine Detection and Countermeasures

• Electronic Warfare and Surveillance

Key Specifications of the BlueWhale:

• Length: 10.9 meters

• Diameter: 1.12 meters

• Weight: 5.5 tons

• Operational Endurance: Several weeks

• Mission Capabilities: ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), EW/ESM (Electronic Warfare/Electronic Support Measures), and MCM (Mine Countermeasure)

• Operational History: Thousands of successful diving hours in various environments

This autonomous submarine is designed to patrol and monitor critical sea areas, particularly useful for nations with complex maritime geography, such as the Aegean Sea. Its ability to stay underwater for extended periods, gather real-time data, and neutralize underwater threats without human involvement makes it a valuable asset for modern navies.

Leaders Speak on the Collaboration

IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement, describing it as a significant step in enhancing Greece’s defense capabilities while promoting regional security and resilience. He emphasized IAI’s commitment to providing operationally tested, modern solutions that also help local industries grow.

HAI CEO, Rear Admiral (ret.) Alexandros Diakopoulos, highlighted the strategic importance of integrating the BlueWhale system, particularly in light of the Aegean Sea’s challenging underwater environment. He pointed out that persistent underwater surveillance and rapid response capabilities would give Greece a vital operational advantage.

A New Era for Greece’s Undersea Defense

The collaboration between Greece and Israel marks more than just a defense deal. It represents a shift towards modernizing naval capabilities with autonomous systems, reducing operational risks, and building domestic technological expertise.

The BlueWhale autonomous submarine system will play a critical role in safeguarding Greece’s maritime interests, enhancing anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance, and mine-clearing operations in one of Europe’s most strategically significant waterways.