Diehl Defence and German defence technology company FLANQ have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on autonomous maritime systems for defence applications.
Announced on 23 September 2026, the agreement will combine FLANQ’s expertise in autonomous systems, mission software and sensor fusion with Diehl Defence’s experience in effectors and complex defence systems.
The companies intend to develop autonomous surface and underwater platforms capable of carrying sensors and effectors, with an initial demonstrator planned before the end of 2026.
The collaboration is intended to support the development of new maritime capabilities for the German Navy and international military customers, while expanding the two companies’ respective maritime portfolios.
Autonomous maritime platforms
Under the agreement, FLANQ will contribute technology covering autonomous operation, mission software and sensor fusion alongside the development and integration of modular uncrewed maritime platforms.
Diehl Defence will provide expertise from its existing portfolio of defence effectors and its experience in developing and industrialising military systems.
The two companies plan to adapt existing technologies for use on autonomous surface and underwater platforms, enabling the systems to carry different combinations of sensors and effectors according to mission requirements.
The modular approach could allow platforms to be configured for different maritime tasks without requiring a completely new vehicle architecture for each application.
Although the companies have not disclosed the configuration of the planned demonstrator, its development during 2026 will provide an initial platform for testing the combined technologies and could support subsequent development and procurement programmes.
Expanding maritime capability
The partnership reflects growing defence interest in uncrewed maritime systems as navies explore ways to increase surveillance, reconnaissance and operational capacity without relying exclusively on crewed vessels.
For procurement organisations, the ability to integrate sensors, mission software and effectors onto modular autonomous platforms could offer greater flexibility when responding to changing maritime requirements.
FLANQ specialises in autonomous maritime capabilities and develops modular uncrewed systems, open technology architectures and mission software for European and allied armed forces.
Diehl Defence, headquartered in Überlingen, Germany, produces air defence systems, guided missiles, ammunition and protection systems as well as components including infrared modules, fuzes and specialist batteries.
The companies said the cooperation is intended to establish a basis for further maritime development and procurement projects following completion of the first demonstrator.
