In a transformative development for maritime defense, German defense technology leader Rheinmetall and innovative underwater systems developer Euroatlas have announced a strategic partnership to enhance the capabilities of the Greyshark autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Revealed on August 6, 2025, this collaboration integrates the advanced Greyshark AUV into Rheinmetall’s cutting-edge Battlesuite platform, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled command-and-control (C2) system designed for networked military operations. This alliance represents a significant leap forward in autonomous maritime technology, enabling enhanced coastal defense, intelligence gathering, and protection of critical underwater infrastructure.
The Greyshark AUV, unveiled at Euronaval 2024 in Paris, is a large, long-endurance, multimission platform capable of performing a wide range of roles, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM), and critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) protection. By combining Euroatlas’ expertise in autonomous underwater systems with Rheinmetall’s advanced digital infrastructure, this partnership is set to redefine naval operations, offering unparalleled interoperability and operational efficiency.
The collaboration leverages Rheinmetall’s Battlesuite, launched in May 2025, which serves as a digital backbone for integrating heterogeneous systems, regardless of their manufacturer or age. This plug-and-play architecture enables seamless connectivity, making it an ideal platform for incorporating the Greyshark AUV into complex maritime operations. The integration will support selected coastal defense use cases, enhancing situational awareness, operational coordination, and mission effectiveness in challenging underwater environments.
Euroatlas’ Greyshark AUV is equipped with an advanced suite of 17 active and passive sensors, paired with a modular AI software stack developed in collaboration with EvoLogics. This combination enables the AUV to adapt to diverse mission requirements, from detecting underwater threats to mapping critical infrastructure. Two prototypes are currently under development: the battery-powered ‘Bravo’ and the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered ‘Foxtrot.’ While both share identical technology and capabilities, they differ slightly in dimensions and endurance, offering flexibility for various operational scenarios.
The partnership aligns with the growing demand for autonomous systems in maritime defense, driven by the need to address evolving threats such as submarine proliferation, underwater sabotage, and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure like underwater cables and pipelines. By integrating the Greyshark AUV with Battlesuite, Rheinmetall and Euroatlas aim to deliver a scalable, future-proof solution that enhances the capabilities of naval forces worldwide.
The Greyshark AUV’s multimission design allows it to operate in diverse environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep-sea regions. Its ISR capabilities enable real-time data collection and analysis, providing naval operators with actionable intelligence. In ASW roles, the AUV can detect and track submarines, enhancing maritime domain awareness. For MCM, the Greyshark’s advanced sensors enable precise identification and neutralization of underwater mines, reducing risks to naval assets and commercial shipping. Additionally, its CUI protection capabilities ensure the security of vital underwater infrastructure, a critical concern in an era of increasing geopolitical tensions.
Rheinmetall’s Battlesuite platform enhances these capabilities by providing a unified interface for managing multiple systems. Its AI-driven architecture processes vast amounts of data in real time, enabling faster decision-making and improved mission outcomes. The platform’s open architecture ensures compatibility with legacy systems, allowing naval forces to integrate the Greyshark AUV without requiring costly overhauls of existing infrastructure.
The collaboration also reflects a broader trend in the defense industry toward system-of-systems architectures, where interoperability and modularity are key. By combining the Greyshark AUV with Battlesuite, Rheinmetall and Euroatlas are creating a flexible, scalable solution that can adapt to evolving mission requirements. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces costs, making advanced maritime defense capabilities accessible to a wider range of naval forces.
The Greyshark AUV’s development builds on Euroatlas’ expertise in underwater robotics and AI. The vehicle’s modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration, enabling operators to tailor its sensor payload and software to specific missions. The integration of EvoLogics’ AI software stack enhances the AUV’s autonomy, allowing it to make real-time decisions in dynamic environments. This capability is particularly valuable in contested waters, where human intervention may be limited or impractical.
The ‘Bravo’ prototype, powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, offers a balance of endurance and performance, making it suitable for extended missions in coastal regions. The ‘Foxtrot’ prototype, with its hydrogen fuel-cell technology, provides even greater endurance, enabling long-range operations in deep-sea environments. Both prototypes have undergone rigorous sea trials, with the ‘Bravo’ model completing successful tests in late July 2025. These trials demonstrated the AUV’s ability to operate autonomously, navigate complex underwater terrain, and collect high-quality data under challenging conditions.
Rheinmetall’s role in the partnership extends beyond platform integration. The company’s expertise in systems engineering and digital transformation ensures that the Greyshark AUV can be seamlessly incorporated into broader naval operations. Battlesuite’s ability to aggregate data from multiple sources, including satellites, surface vessels, and other AUVs, creates a comprehensive operational picture, enhancing situational awareness and mission planning.
The partnership also has significant implications for the global defense market. As naval forces worldwide seek to modernize their fleets, the demand for autonomous systems like the Greyshark AUV is expected to grow. By offering a fully integrated solution, Rheinmetall and Euroatlas are well-positioned to capture a significant share of this market. The collaboration also strengthens Europe’s position as a leader in maritime defense technology, showcasing the region’s ability to deliver innovative, high-performance solutions.
In addition to its technical merits, the partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing complex defense challenges. By pooling their expertise, Rheinmetall and Euroatlas are able to deliver a solution that is greater than the sum of its parts. The integration of the Greyshark AUV with Battlesuite represents a new paradigm in maritime defense, where autonomous systems, AI, and digital connectivity converge to create a force multiplier for naval operators.
Looking ahead, the Rheinmetall-Euroatlas partnership is expected to drive further innovation in autonomous underwater systems. Future developments may include enhanced AI algorithms, improved sensor technologies, and expanded mission profiles for the Greyshark AUV. The collaboration also sets the stage for additional partnerships, as both companies seek to expand their footprint in the global defense market.
The strategic partnership between Rheinmetall and Euroatlas is a testament to the transformative potential of autonomous systems in maritime defense. By combining the Greyshark AUV’s advanced capabilities with Battlesuite’s digital architecture, the collaboration delivers a powerful, flexible solution for modern naval operations. As threats to maritime security continue to evolve, this partnership positions Rheinmetall and Euroatlas at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that naval forces are equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
