Germany Eyes IAI’s BlueWhale Unmanned Submarine
Germany is in advanced talks to purchase Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) BlueWhale, an autonomous underwater vehicle tested by the German Navy in the Baltic Sea. The trials, conducted with IAI and ATLAS Elektronik, showed the UUV’s capability in covert surveillance, submarine detection, and mine hunting.
BlueWhale operates autonomously for weeks, offering many of the functions of a manned submarine without crew risk. Its adoption aligns with Germany’s “Navy 2035+” strategy to integrate unmanned systems into future operations. IAI President Boaz Levy called it a key step in Germany’s defence modernization.
Bundeswehr Receives Advanced Medical EAGLE 6×6
General Dynamics European Land Systems has delivered the first Medical EAGLE 6×6 ambulance to the Bundeswehr during an exercise in Bavaria. Designed for casualty transport in combat zones, the vehicle offers ballistic protection, advanced medical equipment, and off-road mobility.
Part of a €148 million contract for 80 vehicles, the EAGLE supports two wounded personnel and a four-person crew. With future upgrades planned, it enhances the Bundeswehr’s field medical capabilities.
Germany, Ukraine Ink Defence Digital Tech Pact
Germany and Ukraine have signed a security agreement to deepen cooperation on defence digitalisation. Ukraine shared insights on battlefield-tested tools, including AI-enabled drones, cyber defence, and military apps like Army and Reserve.
Both sides agreed on a joint action plan to expand collaboration, with Germany recognising Ukraine’s real-time digital innovations as vital to modern warfare and future security.
Rheinmetall Debuts SSW40 Grenade Launcher
Rheinmetall has unveiled the SSW40, the world’s first shoulder-fired weapon for 40mm Medium Velocity (MV) grenades. Combining rifle-like handling with extended range (up to 900m) and programmable airburst munitions, the SSW40 offers a major upgrade in infantry firepower.
Compact and ergonomic, the 4kg weapon features ambidextrous controls and a recoil-dampening system, enabling precise firing of high-energy rounds. Ammunition options include fragmentation, anti-tank, breaching, and non-lethal variants.
Series production is planned for 2026 following NATO qualification. The SSW40 is designed to meet growing battlefield needs—from urban combat to counter-drone operations.