Germany is developing the first drone to be launched from a submarine

A submarine as a platform for unmanned surface vehicles

Germany is making a breakthrough in the field of marine technology by developing the world's first unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), which can be launched directly from a submarine. This innovation will allow underwater forces to conduct reconnaissance and operations with minimal risk while remaining hidden underwater.

The new generation of USV is being developed as part of a partnership between the German naval company Gabler and the Danish company FLANQ, specializing in marine robotics. The agreement was announced at the DALI Industry Days 2025 conference in Ballerup, Denmark, highlighting the growing integration of European defense contractors in the field of autonomous systems.

Gabler and FLANQ Partnership: technologies of the future

A key feature of the project will be the adaptation of standard submarine torpedo tubes to launch drones. This means that existing submarines will be able to use their regular infrastructure without the need for deep modernization. After launch, the USV will be able to autonomously carry out missions on the surface, leaving the submarine in a safe zone.

FLANQ provides advanced solutions in autonomous control and energy efficiency, while Gabler provides expertise in integrating systems into naval platforms. The joint development is aimed at creating a compact, reliable and scalable solution for a modern fleet.

Silent reconnaissance and strike capabilities

Unmanned vehicles launched from submarines will be able to perform a wide range of tasks, from coastal exploration and navigation monitoring to electronic reconnaissance and, if necessary, precision strikes. Due to their autonomy and low visibility, USVs are ideal for operations in difficult and potentially hostile waters.

A special advantage is the preservation of the submarine's stealth. Instead of surfacing and risking detection, the submarine can remotely launch a drone that will complete the task and transmit the data back.

A breakthrough in a new generation of underwater warfare

The development opens a new chapter in the evolution of underwater warfare. The transformation of torpedo tubes into universal launchers for autonomous systems marks the transition from purely attack platforms to "wombs" controlling a swarm of drones. This approach enhances operational flexibility, expands the area of control and increases the survival of underwater forces.

If the tests are successful, Germany will become one of the first countries in the world to implement such technology in a real combat infrastructure.

Ocean Infinity introduces the Needlefish high-speed autonomous vessel for maritime defense

Ocean Infinity, a company known for its achievements in the field of underwater search and autonomous photography, has announced that it has reached a new level of maritime security development. At a private event in Kuwait, the company unveiled its latest secretly developed unmanned surface vessel, the Needlefish, designed to enhance the effectiveness of maritime surveillance and patrolling.

Needlefish is not an isolated system, but rather a key element of an integrated marine surveillance network. This high-speed autonomous patrol vessel is capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance and tracking to ensuring security in strategically important waters. Its implementation can be an important step in the development of autonomous maritime defense, especially in the face of growing challenges in the security of global waterways.

The vessel was officially launched as part of cooperation with the Kuwait Coast Guard (KCG), which indicates the interest of regional forces in innovative technological solutions in the field of security. The event was part of a demonstration of the company's capabilities in implementing projects combining advanced technologies and marine robotics.

Ocean Infinity has previously established itself as a leader in underwater exploration and autonomous systems, participating in the search for sunken objects and bottom mapping. Now, with the launch of Needlefish, it is expanding its horizons, relying on next-generation surface unmanned platforms.

Despite the limited amount of technical information, experts suggest that Needlefish has unique characteristics of speed and maneuverability, making it an ideal candidate for use in coastal waters and high-activity areas. Such systems can dramatically change the approach to maritime patrol and defense in the coming years.