BlueWhale (UUV)
A stealthy UUV for ISR, ASW, and mine countermeasures.
The BlueWhale (ELI-3325) is an unmanned underwater vehicle built by a joint venture between Israel’s ELTA Systems and Atlas Elektronik. It collects intelligence through radar, signals interception, and communications systems. The vessel first appeared in public at the IMDEX Asia 2025 defense exhibition in Singapore, held from 6 to 8 May 2025.
Its missions include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, often in covert coastal operations. It can hunt submarines in territorial waters, conduct acoustic reconnaissance, detect mines, and support mine countermeasures. The UUV also aids special forces with reconnaissance and mine detection, serves as a loyal wingman for conventional submarines, monitors piracy, terrorism, and illegal migration, and supports maritime expeditions.
The BlueWhale measures 10.9 meters in length and weighs 5.5 tons. It operates silently, can stay at sea for up to four weeks, travels at 7 knots underwater, and dives to 300 meters. A watertight patented mast carries surface payloads such as antennas, including SATCOM, enabling real-time data links with mission control.
Possible payloads include radar, day/night electro-optical/infrared sensors, and communications and electronic intelligence systems. Underwater sensors comprise a Towed Array Sonar from Atlas Elektronik, active and passive Flank Array Sonar for detecting ships and submarines, a Synthetic Aperture Sonar from KRAKEN for mine detection and high-resolution seabed mapping, and magnetic sensors to verify mine detections.
Operationally, the BlueWhale underwent tests and demonstrations with Israeli and foreign navies. It was first shown to the Portuguese Navy and NATO forces during the REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger exercises in 2023. A comprehensive evaluation with the German Navy took place in the Baltic Sea in late 2024. In May 2025, IAI and HAI signed a memorandum of understanding to offer the BlueWhale to the Hellenic Navy.
- Designation
- ELI-3325
- Length
- 10.9 meters
- Weight
- 5.5 tons
- Endurance
- Up to four weeks
- Underwater speed
- 7 knots
- Maximum depth
- 300 meters
- Manufacturer
- Joint venture of ELTA Systems and Atlas Elektronik
Lore & Background
The BlueWhale UUV is designed for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), including covert operations in coastal areas, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) for hunting submarines in its own territory, acoustic reconnaissance (ACINT), covert mine detection and other mine countermeasures (MCM). It also supports special forces with reconnaissance and mine detection, serves as a reconnaissance and patrol asset for conventional submarines (Loyal Submarine Wingman), and provides intelligence on piracy, terrorism, and illegal migration. The vehicle is intended to support maritime expeditions.
Technically, the boat is 10.9 meters long, weighs 5.5 tons, sails silently, and can stay at sea for up to four weeks. It travels at 7 knots underwater, dives to 300 meters, and carries a watertight patented mast for surface payload. The mast can carry antennas, including SATCOM, for real-time data link with mission control. Possible payloads include radar, day/night EO/IR, COMINT/ELINT/ESM, and underwater sensors such as a Towed Array Sonar (TAS) developed by Atlas Elektronik, active and passive Flank Array Sonar (FAS) for detection of ships and submarines, Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) for mine detection and high resolution seabed mapping developed by KRAKEN, and magnetic sensors for verification of mine detection.
Reader's Guide
The BlueWhale UUV represents a significant advancement in multi-mission unmanned underwater capabilities, combining stealth, endurance, and a diverse sensor suite for both surface and subsurface operations. Its joint development by ELTA Systems and Atlas Elektronik leverages expertise in defense electronics and sonar technology, respectively. The vehicle's ability to operate silently for up to four weeks at depths of 300 meters, while carrying a mast for real-time satellite communication, enables persistent intelligence gathering and covert missions in coastal and open-water environments. Its payload flexibility—including radar, electronic warfare systems, and multiple sonar types—allows it to perform roles ranging from anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures to special forces support and maritime security monitoring. The BlueWhale has undergone operational evaluations with the German Navy in the Baltic Sea and demonstrations with Portuguese and NATO naval forces during the REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger exercises in 2023. In May 2025, IAI and HAI signed an MOU to offer the BlueWhale to the Hellenic Navy, indicating growing international interest. Its design as a 'Loyal Submarine Wingman' underscores its potential to augment conventional submarine fleets, while its mine detection and acoustic reconnaissance capabilities address critical naval needs.
Did You Know?
- The BlueWhale is designated ELI-3325.
- It made its public debut at IMDEX Asia 2025 in Singapore on 6-8 May 2025.
- It can dive to 300 meters and stay at sea for up to four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BlueWhale (ELI-3325)?
It is a stealthy unmanned underwater vehicle developed through a joint venture between Israel's ELTA Systems and France's Atlas Elektronik. The platform is purpose-built for covert intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance work in coastal and territorial waters.
What missions can BlueWhale (UUV) perform?
Beyond collecting radar and signals-intelligence data, it can track enemy submarines, carry out acoustic reconnaissance, and locate or support mine countermeasures operations. In short, it is a multi-role stealth platform that combines ISR, anti-submarine warfare, and mine hunting in one hull.
What are BlueWhale (UUV)'s key specifications?
The vehicle is roughly 10.9 meters long, displaces about 5.5 tons, and cruises at 7 knots. It can operate to a maximum depth of 300 meters and remain on station for up to four weeks at a time.
When and where was BlueWhale (UUV) first shown to the public?
It made its public debut at the IMDEX Asia 2025 defense exhibition in Singapore, which took place from 6 to 8 May 2025. That showcase marked the first time the vehicle was displayed to the wider defense community.
Why is BlueWhale (UUV) considered significant in the unmanned-underwater field?
Its four-week endurance combined with 300-meter depth capability and a full ISR/ASW/mine-hunting sensor suite makes it one of the most versatile long-endurance UUVs currently in the public domain. It also highlights the growing trend of Israel-France industrial partnerships in the unmanned maritime sector.
More in Underwater and Surface Drones, Part 2 1-24
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