Lübeck, Germany, 13 January 2026 – GABLER, a leading provider of submarine technologies, today announced the creation of a dedicated Subsea Drives business unit, consolidating its hydraulic and electric propulsion expertise to strengthen its position as a systems partner to the global submarine industry.
Alexander Homrich, who joined GABLER’s management team on 1 January 2026, will lead the new division. He continues in his role as Managing Director of AHE GmbH, the specialist hydraulics engineering company he founded.
The strategic collaboration between GABLER and AHE, which began in July 2025, has already achieved significant technological and commercial progress, supporting the decision to establish the new business unit and appoint Homrich.
The Subsea Drives division encompasses drive and control systems for uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) and submarines in both hydraulic and electric configurations. The systems deliver exceptional robustness, seawater resistance, and reliability, ensuring safe and efficient operation in the most demanding defence and maritime security applications.
With this expansion, GABLER reinforces its reputation as a trusted systems partner for innovative, safe, and high-performance submarine components, alongside its market-leading submarine mast and communications portfolio.
Commenting on his appointment, Alexander Homrich said: “I am pleased to come onboard the GABLER management team and to lead the Subsea Drives business unit. This expansion of our hydraulic and electric drive capabilities represents a significant advancement in our technical offering. I look forward to working with GABLER’s expert engineering team to deliver the innovative, mission-critical solutions our customers in the submarine sector require, whilst contributing to the company’s ambitious growth objectives.”
Image Caption: Alexander Homrich, who joined the business on 1 January 2026, will lead GABLER’s new Subsea Drives business unit. GABLER’s management team pictured left to right: Florian Josupeit, Director of Operations, David Schirm, Managing Director, Alexander Homrich, Director Subsea Drives and Lars Wischnewski, Director Sales and Products.
Lübeck, Germany – 10th December 2025 – Gabler, a leading manufacturer of submarine technologies, has expanded its European in-service support capabilities through a trilateral framework agreement covering German, Italian and Portuguese naval fleets.
The framework agreement was formally signed last week at the Liaison Office of Germany’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) in Lahnstein, near Koblenz.
It builds upon Gabler’s existing German Navy contract with BAAINBw, signed in June 2025, and now extends support services to the Italian Navy’s U212A-class submarines – expanding the partnership established in 2016 – and for the first time to the Portuguese Navy’s 209PN-class submarines.
“This comprehensive contract extension represents a strategic milestone for Gabler in Europe,” said Thorsten Klemann, Regional Sales & Contract Manager at Gabler, who led the contract negotiations. “Building on our nine-year partnership with the Italian Navy’s U212A fleet, we’re now extending that proven support model to include Portugal’s 209PN submarines. Combined with our German Navy contract signed earlier this year, we’re deepening our position as a trusted submarine support provider across multiple European NATO navies.”
The ceremonial signing was carried out by Captain Stefano Russo, Head of Italian Navy Liaison Office, Commander Pedro Alexandre da Silva Melo, Head of Submarine Common In-Service Support Portuguese Office, and Thorsten Klemann, Regional Sales & Contract Manager at Gabler.
Covering both the modern U212A air-independent propulsion submarines and the proven 209PN diesel-electric class, the agreements address multiple operational submarine platforms within a coordinated support structure, demonstrating Gabler’s commitment to reliable, long-term partnerships in the European naval sector.
Image Caption: The trilateral agreement was signed by (left to right): Captain Stefano Russo, Head of Italian Navy Liaison Office, Thorsten Klemann, Regional Sales & Contract Manager at Gabler and Commander Pedro Alexandre da Silva Melo, Head of Submarine Common In-Service Support Portuguese Office.
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Gabler
Susanne Köhler
Communication & Marketing Specialist
+49 (0)451 3109 234
Susanne.Koehler@gabler-naval.com
Dobbin-Linstow, Germany – September 22, 2025 -Gabler, a leading provider of submarine technologies, today unveiled concepts for their highly anticipated uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) designed for torpedo tube launch (TTL). The reveal took place on the opening day of 27th DWT Naval Workshop meeting being held in Dobbin-Linstow, Germany where Gabler also debuted its new brand identity.
Gabler, known globally for its submarine masts, vessel components and tactical gateway products, announced earlier this summer its decision to enter the USV market with sub-surface deployed platforms configured for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, as well as single-use tactical missions.
Today’s announcement marks the next milestone in the company’s high tempo USV programme, alongside its strategic development partner, FLANQ, to deliver cutting-edge, autonomous systems for NATO and European naval forces.
The two USV variants will be known as Ranger for ISR, and Raider for strike. Both are fully compatible with standard submarine torpedo tubes, and feature a common 4.5- metre long, 300 metre depth rated hull, folding mast and keel, electric drivetrain, and multiple payload bays.
Ranger is reusable and equipped with a sensor suite providing real-time surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, crucial for naval forces operating in contested waters. Ranger will allow submarines to discreetly deploy and recover the USV without exposing themselves to risk, thus ensuring mission success while maintaining stealth and operational advantage.
Raider, designed for single-use tactical missions can carry a user-supplied effector payload in its forward payload compartment, empowering naval forces to neutralise high-value targets without exposing themselves to direct threats.
The partnership has accelerated its development timeline to bring these USVs to technology readiness level as swiftly as possible. Gabler and FLANQ are working closely with sovereign partners and European defence suppliers to ensure interoperability and seamless integration into existing naval systems.
“As we unveil these USVs at DWT 2025 – less than two months since our original announcement – our focus is clear: deliver uncrewed-first operational capabilities for European and NATO naval forces that are fast, flexible, and cost-effective,” said Lars Wischnewski, Director of Sales and Products at Gabler. “These platforms will shape the future of naval operations, providing unmatched versatility in complex and contested environments. Ranger and Raider also mark a new chapter for Gabler – reflected in our exciting and modern brand identity and tagline: We Dive Deeper.”
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Gabler
Susanne Köhler
Communication & Marketing Specialist
+49 (0)451 3109 234
Susanne.Koehler@gabler-naval.com
Bellerup, Denmark – August 20, 2025 – Gabler, a leading provider of submarine systems, and FLANQ, a European innovator in autonomous maritime platforms, today announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and deliver a new class of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) specifically designed for submarine torpedo tube launch (TTL). The announcement was made on the opening day of DALO Industry Days 2025 – the largest defence industry exhibition in Scandinavia.
This collaboration aims to deliver affordable sub-surface deployed USVs for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, as well as single-use tactical missions – significantly enhancing the operational flexibility of European and NATO maritime forces.
The USVs will be fully compatible with standard submarine torpedo tubes, enabling covert deployment without diver assistance. 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.
Both single-use and reusable USV models will be developed and produced by the two companies, incorporating sovereign suppliers and industrial partners throughout Europe. The expendable variants are 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.
Under the agreement, Gabler will lead system integration, commercialisation, and delivery to navies globally – building on its market leading portfolio of hoistable mast systems, submarine control technologies, and communication buoys. FLANQ will oversee design, manufacturing and payload integration – drawing on its expertise 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 enabling submarines to deploy low-cost, mass-produceable USVs for a wide range of missions – from littoral surveillance to deep-sea reconnaissance – this solution delivers domain advantage without compromising stealth.
“Today’s announcement on the opening day of DALO 25 reflects our shared commitment to strengthening European and allied undersea defence capabilities at pace and cost,” said Lennart Glas, Business Development Manager at Gabler. “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.”
“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.”
About FLANQ
Headquartered in Rostock, Germany, FLANQ delivers integrated maritime defence solutions across Europe, with a focus on mission-configurable autonomous surface platforms, sensor fusion, and rapidly-deployed critical infrastructure security systems.
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Gabler
Susanne Köhler
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FLANQ
David Brown
Chief Marketing Officer
external-d.brown@flanqdefence.com
Farnborough, United Kingdom – May 21, 2025 – Gabler, a leading German developer of submarine systems, today announced the award of a new contract to deliver an advanced mast solution for an undisclosed European navy. The announcement was made on the second day of the Combined Naval Event (CNE) in Farnborough, where Gabler is presenting its latest naval innovations.
The contract, secured following a competitive international tender process, reinforces Gabler’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-performance mast and hoist systems for both conventional and next-generation submarines. While specific details of the program remain confidential, the scope includes the design, manufacture, and delivery of a state-of-the-art non-penetrating mast tailored to meet the demanding operational requirements of European naval forces.
“This contract represents a strong endorsement of Gabler’s engineering capability and operational reliability,” said Lars Wischnewski, Director of Sales and Products at Gabler. “The award for this diesel-electric attack boat reflects the confidence placed in our engineering expertise and proven track record in delivering mission-critical systems for submarines operating under the most challenging conditions.”
Gabler’s mast technologies are renowned for their reliability, stealth characteristics, and modular integration capabilities. The awarded system will incorporate the latest design developments, including a compact, low-maintenance hydraulic assembly—enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the evolving requirements of underwater platforms operating in increasingly complex and contested European environments.
The company emphasised its commitment to working closely with the customer throughout the program lifecycle, ensuring seamless integration and long-term support.
Gabler is exhibiting at Stand D42 at CNE 2025, where visitors can learn more about its full suite of submarine solutions, including masts, hoistable systems, and expendable communications buoys.
Media Enquiries:
Gabler
Susanne Köhler
Communication & Marketing Specialist
+49 (0)451 3109 234
Susanne.Koehler@gabler-naval.com