Submarine systems specialist Gabler and uncrewed platforms expert Flanq are teaming up to develop uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) which can be deployed from submarine torpedo tubes.
As per press statements, the two German firms have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-develop and deliver new USVs specifically designed for torpedo tube launch (TTL).
They aim to design and build a range of autonomous systems capable of a variety of missions including reusable craft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, and attritable one-way strike craft.
The press statement noted: “The USVs will be fully compatible with standard submarine torpedo tubes, enabling covert deployment without diver assistance. This capability provides a critical advantage for operations in denied, contested, or high-threat environments, where traditional surface or aerial naval assets may be compromised.”
In the new partnership Gabler will take the lead on system integration, commercialisation, and naval delivery while Flanq will focus its expertise on design, manufacturing and payload integration.
The new partnership was announced at DALO 25, Scandinavia’s largest trade fair for the defence industry, which recently took place in Denmark.
Business Development Manager at Gabler Lennart Glas said: “By combining Flanq’s strengths in autonomy, sensor payloads, and rapid manufacturing with Gabler’s six decades of expertise in high-reliability submarine systems, we are fully focused on delivering mission-specific USVs ready for in theatre testing and evaluation at the earliest opportunity.”
And Chief Commercial Officer and Flanq co-founder Daniel Esser added: “Our rapidly produced USVs with their Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) payloads from sovereign partners — paired with Gabler’s know-how in submarine engineering and operations — will help deliver persistent ISR and tactical reach at scale, speed and value.”
- You can read more details on the Gabler website and the Flanq website