As part of accumulation of weapons in response to the Turkish threat, Greece is considering procuring at least 10 of the blue whale unmanned submarines manufactured by Israeli aerospace industry.
Greece is interested in strengthening its ability to monitor and protect maritime borders where there is a conflict with Türkiye. Unlike Greece, Turkey refused to sign the Continental Shelf Treaty and the United Nations Treaty on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In other words, all islands – in this case, Greek – have an independent continental shelf.
Turkey considers several Greek islands to be extensions of Anatolia. According to turkeys, earthquakes have led to earthquakes between the mainland and islands, including Cyprus, so all islands are derived from the mainland and have no territorial rights. 12 nautical miles of water. The lack of agreement on this issue led to a “compromise” between Türkiye and Greece, and today each island qualifies six nautical miles. However, due to this tense situation, “Epicara” reports that the Greek Navy is considering procuring at least 10 blue whales automatic underwater vehicles.
This unmanned submarine is the product of a collaboration between IAI and German company Atlas Electronics. Blue whales allow for a gathering of intelligence through telescopic masts that emerge from the water during diving (similar to sea cleft). This radar and electro-optic system is installed to detect targets at sea and coastal areas. Using the mast’s satellite communications antenna, the information collected is sent in real time to designated command posts that can be located at sea and at the coast.
You can patrol for at least 10 days
“Epikaira” reports that the blue whale is 10.9 meters long, 1.12 meters in diameter and weighs 5.5 tons. It is electric, can reach a speed of 7 knots and can be patrol for at least 10 days. Submarine detection and acoustic intelligence collection are performed using sonar of several meters long placed on each side of the submarine. According to the VMR Research Institute, the military unmanned submarine market is expected to grow from around $3.4 billion in 2021 to around $8 billion in 2030. According to a report on the ZM website last July, Blue Whale aims to be an important weapon against Iran, which is expanding its maritime activities.
“Epicara” says the Blue Whale version provided by the IAI to Greek officials includes adaptations to the operational characteristics of the Aegean Sea. The blue whale could fit well into the armed plans of the Greek defense system for the next 12 years, as it includes the need for unmanned underwater vehicles to deal with the Turkish threat. The Turkish Navy is considered to be the strongest in the Eastern Mediterranean, and ranks 17th in the world compared to Israel’s 45th place, according to the “World Firepower” ranking.
Published by Globes, Israel Business News – En.globes.co.il – April 29, 2025.
©Copyright of Globals Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd., 2025.
