Helsing unveils new AI-enabled uncrewed underwater glider
The glider, named SG-1 Fathom, has been designed to be scalable and affordable, and can be deployed for up to three months at a time, according to Helsing.
A rendering of an F124 frigate. (Photo: Hensoldt.)
Germany’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) has awarded Hensoldt a $258.52 million (€220 million) contract to modernise the F124 air defence frigates’ radars.
Hensoldt, working with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), will supply TRS-4D/LR ROT AESA wide-range radars, replacing the in-service SMART-L radars.
An additional radar system will be installed at the German Naval Engineering School in Parow.
Hensoldt said the order marked the start of the development of ‘national capabilities in the field of ballistic missile defence’. Adding the shore facility would allow user training and further developments to be tested on land before onboard installation.
Hensoldt added the strategic cooperation with IAI’s ELTA subsidiary provided Germany with a ‘national partner for certification and long-term support, as well as market-available systems that have been tried and tested in the field'.
BAAINBw said conversion of the ships would begin in 2024, with works due to be completed by 2028.
The contract builds on previous cooperation between Hensoldt and IAI ELTA for the land-based Hughes Air Defence Radar Nachfolgesystem programme. Both projects use similar radars.
The glider, named SG-1 Fathom, has been designed to be scalable and affordable, and can be deployed for up to three months at a time, according to Helsing.
The service currently has diverse problems in its procurement programmes and capability gaps in its inventory, writes Shephard’s North America editor Flavia Camargos Pereira.
A total of 28 active surface ships will receive the upgrades to their weaponry to help them combat the growing threat from UAVs.
The White House and Congress have been increasing efforts to support the national maritime industry.
Euroatlas displayed its Greyshark autonomous underwater vehicle outside Europe for the first time, highlighting variant specifications and development progress at IMDEX 2025.
The US shipyard’s new High Speed Maneuverable Unmanned Surface Vessel (HSMUSV) will have a range of more than 500 nautical miles.