ATHENS, GREECE – In a landmark moment for Eastern Mediterranean defense cooperation, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 12 May 2025 to jointly offer IAI’s cutting-edge BlueWhale autonomous submarine system to the Hellenic Navy.
Announced during the prestigious DEFEA defence exhibition in Athens, the agreement signals a major leap forward in bilateral defense and industrial relations between Greece and Israel. The collaboration will see HAI take a leading role in the production and future technological evolution of the unmanned underwater vehicle, building on its significant expertise in complex defense systems.
A New Era in Maritime Surveillance
The BlueWhale is a sophisticated large autonomous underwater platform, measuring 10.9 meters in length, 1.12 meters in diameter, and weighing 5.5 tons. Developed by IAI’s ELTA division, the submarine is designed for extended covert operations – performing missions such as:
- Surface and subsurface intelligence gathering
- Underwater target detection
- Acoustic intelligence collection
- Mine countermeasure operations
Its modular, low-maintenance design allows it to carry out missions lasting several weeks, at a fraction of the cost and risk of a conventional manned submarine.
IAI’s CEO Boaz Levy noted:
“This strategic agreement further enhances Greece’s defense capabilities. It underlines our commitment to supporting local industry while expanding regional resilience and autonomy through operationally proven technology.”
Aegean Advantage
For the Hellenic Armed Forces, operating in the geopolitically sensitive and geographically complex Aegean Sea, the BlueWhale promises a powerful force multiplier. Its long-endurance, autonomous surveillance capabilities offer Greece a persistent undersea presence, vital for rapid response and territorial security.
HAI’s CEO, Rear Admiral (ret.) Alexandros Diakopoulos, commented:
“This partnership marks a leap toward greater technological autonomy for Greece. The integration of BlueWhale offers a robust multi-mission platform capable of ISR, anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures – precisely what our maritime environment demands.”
IAI’s EVP and ELTA CEO, Dror Bar, added:
“BlueWhale delivers transformational capabilities comparable to manned submarines. This MoU is a decisive step forward in advancing Greece’s maritime readiness with cutting-edge technology.”
The collaboration includes a technology transfer framework, allowing HAI to co-produce systems and participate in long-term development – a significant opportunity for local innovation and defence industrial growth.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: IAI
