TKMS has signed a Framework Agreement with SpearUAV designed to advance Sub-to-Air Loitering UAS capabilities for underwater platforms. The agreement establishes a foundation for collaboration across technological, commercial, and operational activities, with the shared goal of introducing a new multi-domain operational dimension to underwater defense products.
Idoh Ophir, Managing Director of TKMS Israel, said: “This cooperation marks a significant milestone in expanding the operational envelope of future submarine and UUV platforms. Integrating SpearUAV’s innovative, cutting-edge solutions supports sustaining the superiority of our platforms. We remain committed to presenting our customers with the most advanced capabilities available, and we look forward to jointly developing new solutions under this framework while further strengthening the close collaboration between our companies.”
The cooperation between TKMS and SpearUAV brings together complementary strengths: TKMS as the only fully integrated system provider in Europe covering all three dimensions of maritime defence, i.e. in surface and submarine shipbuilding as well as in electronics, sensor, and technology solutions, and SpearUAV’s Viper 750 encapsulated, multi-mission loitering UAS, specifically designed for sub-sea operations. The undertaking is part of implementing the TKMS technology strategy. The aim that each system is a carrier for unmanned vehicles follows the approach of “Evolvement and Automation of Crewed Platforms”.
SpearUAV’s Chief Business Development Officer, Itamar Ben-Tovim, emphasises that “underwater warfare is entering a period of fundamental change. A domain that once evolved slowly is now adopting new technologies at an unprecedented pace across both manned and unmanned platforms. At the core of our cooperation lies a strategic capability: deploying an AI-driven, encapsulated aerial system from covert sub-sea platforms, a capability that we believe will profoundly influence future underwater warfare.”
The Viper 750 Sub-to-Air Loitering System from SpearUAV is a small, encapsulated drone system that can be launched from the standard launchers of TKMS submarines. Once the capsule reaches the water surface, the drone launches automatically and flies autonomously, collecting real-time reconnaissance data via radio—all without the submarine becoming visible. The new sub-to-air capability strengthens TKMS’s leadership position in the underwater sector and gives customers a clear, unmatched operational advantage.
Itamar Ben-Tovim adds that “This cooperation reflects SpearUAV’s strategy of forming strong partnerships that deliver clear value to end-users. Just as we empower manoeuvring forces with an organic ‘Air-force’ for the battalion, we are now joining the global leader in the underwater domain to bring the same impact to submarines and UUV’s operation.”
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