New defense partnership to develop submarine-launched USVs

August 21, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Provider of submarine systems Gabler and European innovator in autonomous maritime platforms FLANQ have entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop and deliver a new class of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) specifically designed for submarine torpedo tube launch (TTL).

As disclosed, this collaboration aims to deliver affordable sub-surface deployed USVs for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, as well as single-use tactical missions.

The USVs will be fully compatible with standard submarine torpedo tubes, enabling covert deployment without diver assistance. According to the companies, 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.

The partners plan to develop and produce both single-use and reusable USV models. The expendable variants will be designed for one-way missions, such as precision strike, while the reusable platforms will support extended ISR missions with recovery options via host platforms or surface assets.

Specifically, under the agreement, Gabler will lead system integration, commercialization, and delivery to navies globally. Meanwhile, FLANQ will oversee design, manufacturing and payload integration – drawing on its knowledge in modularity, autonomy, and scalable platform engineering.

This joint initiative directly addresses the increasing demand among European and NATO naval forces for autonomous systems capable of operating in complex and contested maritime environments.

“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 focussed on delivering mission-specific USVs ready for in theatre testing and evaluation at the earliest opportunity,” said Lennart Glas, Business Development Manager at Gabler.

“The development of these platforms comes at a pivotal time for European and allied naval forces,” said Daniel Esser, Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder at FLANQ.

“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.”

To remind, FLANQ recently partnered with the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) to collaborate on the development and deployment of uncrewed surface vessels for maritime security and defence missions across the Mediterranean.