Under the theme "Innovate, Collaborate, Deliver," this year's conference and exhibition comes at a critical juncture when threats to critical undersea infrastructure have intensified, requiring robust technological responses. The spotlight of the conferences is mainly on autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), which represent a paradigm shift in naval operations.

Advancements in sonar technology and undersea surveillance systems also feature prominently, as these technologies form the backbone of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities in an era where submarine proliferation presents increasing challenges. The integration of artificial intelligence into undersea defence systems is a central theme, with discussions focusing on how AI can enhance decision-making processes, improve target recognition, and enable autonomous operations in contested environments.

This AI revolution extends to data processing and analysis, allowing naval forces to sift through vast amounts of underwater sensor data more efficiently and effectively. Stealth technology innovations are capturing significant attention as nations seek to maintain the strategic advantage of undetected underwater operations. These developments include advancements in acoustic signature reduction, non-acoustic detection countermeasures, and novel propulsion systems designed to minimize detectability.

The protection of critical underwater infrastructure (CUI) has gained unprecedented urgency following recent incidents of suspected sabotage, making technologies for monitoring and safeguarding subsea cables and pipelines a focal point at UDT 2025. Multi-domain integration technologies that enable seamless coordination between undersea assets and platforms operating in other domains (surface, air, space, and cyber) will demonstrate how future naval operations will transcend traditional boundaries. This integration is crucial for comprehensive maritime domain awareness and coordinated responses to emerging threats.

The exhibition is also highlighting advancements in submarine platforms and technologies, including developments related to the TYPE 212CD submarine programme. A conference took place in the morning with a focus on the navy-to-navy cooperation between Norway and Germany as main engine of the joint industrial programme, with the hope that other countries such as Canada, Greece or Poland will join.

In the exhibition area, some products especially exemplify the current technology trends. For example, a large mock-up of EuroAtlas’ GREYSHARK AUV, under testing phase with the German Navy, underlines the advancement in the design and manufacturing of systems capable of effectively monitoring CUIs, for weeks.  Especially intriguing the key findings from the first feedback from British CETUS’ project and from the Royal Navy’s operational experience with XLUUVs, which will be discussed this afternoon.

Innovations in the sector of submarines, midgets, and AUVs also triggered an upward spiral in the development of effectors. In particular, it is confirmed that the 212CD will be able to launch anti-aircraft missile and an anti-torpedo torpedo project is ongoing, and we will learn more details from TKMS – Atlas Elektronik. Smaller boats and AUVs also can expand their capabilities, as demonstrated and currently showcased by WASS, for the first time under the colours of Fincantieri. The company showcases its BLACK SCORPION mini-torpedo, recently integrated also onboard the DRASS DS-8 SDW. Some technologies pop-ups for the first time, such as the unique SONABLOW underwater acoustic firing device, intended to replace the electric fire lane with an acoustic command, and developed by French company RTSys, in collaboration with French DGA.  Indeed, another tabu has been broken, as the German and Norwegian navies openly talked about the possibility to develop a new sea mine to be deployed by their new submarines, thus confirming once more that traditional naval operations are back. A trend further confirmed by representatives of the Eurotorp consortium, who withstand a considerable demand for the proven MU-90 lightweight torpedo. Eurotorp sources confirm that the torpedo is still a state-of-the-art, effective solution, and that eventual minor obsolescence can be quickly addressed. The main subject this day would be make it possible to integrate the torpedo in all kinds of assets, including UAVs, USVs, AUVs, midgets, and many others.

According to the first insights FW MAG could gather, the large demand of the full spectrum of underwater capabilities is pushed by the Nordic countries’ raising demand for comprehensive solutions that can guarantee an effective defence of their waters, the Baltic Sea, and the Arctic.

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