Rostock, Germany – February 24, 2026 FLANQ, a German manufacturer of autonomous maritime platforms, and DTC Communications, a leading supplier of secure communications systems, today announced a strategic cooperation to market advanced marine tactical radios for maritime security and defence applications across Europe.
The cooperation will focus on pairing DTC’s low-SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) communications technology communications technology into FLANQ’s family of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to enable resilient, encrypted command-and-control (C2) links for a wide range of naval missions.
By combining FLANQ’s autonomous maritime platforms with DTC’s proven tactical communications solutions, the partnership aims to deliver next-generation mission capabilities for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) protection, patrol and interdiction, and joint force interoperability.
The integrated solution will enable operators to securely task, control and monitor FLANQ’s USVs in real-time across contested maritime environments, ensuring reliable connectivity even in Electromagnetic (EM) contested or denied environments.
Key capabilities and outcomes:
• Secure, encrypted C2 links for surface and littoral operations
• High-bandwidth, low-latency communications for sensor and video feeds
• Interoperability with NATO and partner nation command systems
• Extended operational range for fully autonomous and remotely controlled missions
• Resilience against jamming and interception in hostile environments
Jannik Sauer, Chief Technical Officer at FLANQ (pictured left), said: “Reliable command and control is fundamental to any uncrewed platform in the modern battlespace – whether that’s in the air, land or sea surface. With DTC Communications, we are integrating a robust, secure communications backbone into our USV fleet, ensuring that our users can maintain control, share intelligence, and execute missions with confidence.”
Chris Fulthorpe, Strategic Account Manager at DTC Communications, added: “Our tactical communications solutions have been field-proven in some of the most challenging operational environments. Partnering with FLANQ allows us to extend those capabilities to the maritime domain, ensuring that unmanned surface platforms remain securely connected and mission-effective in any scenario.”
About FLANQ
Headquartered in Germany, FLANQ delivers integrated maritime defence solutions, with a focus on autonomous surface platforms, sensor fusion, and rapidly deployed critical infrastructure security systems.
About DTC Communications
DTC, a Codan Company, is a global leader in mission-critical communications, delivering secure, resilient voice and data solutions in over 150 countries. Our advanced BluSDR radios, high-performance MANET systems, and MeshUltra™ high-bandwidth mesh networking technologies provide assured connectivity, real-time situational awareness, and tactical advantage in the world’s most demanding and contested environments.
Engineered for the tactical edge, DTC solutions enable rapid deployment, seamless interoperability, and secure data exchange across land, air, and sea domains. Designed to perform in electronically contested and infrastructure-denied environments, our technologies ensure continuous, mission-critical communications when operational success depends on absolute reliability.
Media Contacts:
FLANQ
external-d.brown@flanqdefence.com
David Brown
+44 7774 178736
DTC Communications
Emily.MacPherson@domotactical.com
+1 (902) 402-8303
Rostock, Germany – Sept 03, 2025 – FLANQ, a German maritime defence solutions provider, and CiS, a leading developer of autonomous aerial systems, today announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop and deploy an integrated capability enabling the launch and recovery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs).
The announcement follows successful trials of a CiS Orka tactical air surveillance and reconnaissance drone being hosted, deployed and recovered aboard a 12-foot FLANQ USV operating autonomously in open water at an undisclosed test site.
By merging FLANQ’s proven USV platforms and mission payloads with CiS’s expertise in long-endurance UAV systems, the partnership will deliver a modular, scalable system-of-systems designed to provide rapid-response surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence-gathering capabilities, critical to strengthening Europe’s autonomous defence capabilities.
Key objectives of the partnership Include:
• Development of a fully integrated UAV launch-and-recovery systems from medium to large USV platforms
• Persistent over-the-horizon ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) enabled by AI-based mission autonomy
• Seamless interoperability with NATO maritime command-and-control frameworks
• Deployment-readiness for dynamic threat environments, including hybrid and grey-zone conflict scenarios
“This partnership with CiS reinforces our commitment to delivering maritime domain advantage to Europe and its allies,” said Daniel Esser, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of FLANQ. “Together, we are enabling a new level of operational flexibility and responsiveness through intelligent, aerial and uncrewed surface systems.”
Tom Kaufmann, Managing Partner and CEO at CiS, added: “Europe’s maritime borders face increasing threats – from illicit trafficking to shadow fleet sabotage. Through our collaboration with FLANQ, we will deliver an agile, intelligent system that enhances situational awareness and supports decision-makers across the maritime security domain.”
The joint system’s capabilities will be showcased this month at REMPUS 2025 in Portugal, the annual NATO-led military exercise where both companies are participating.
About CiS
Established in 1990, CiS is a next-generation UAV developer specialising in long-range, autonomous aerial systems designed for defence, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), commercial and civilian applications.
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 2025 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.”
Rostock, Germany and Larnaca, Cyprus – August 05, 2025 – FLANQ, a German-based maritime defence solutions provider, and the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI), a leading research and innovation centre for the blue economy, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and deployment of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) for maritime security and defence missions across the Mediterranean.
The cooperation will focus on enhancing operational readiness in contested waters through advanced autonomous technologies. The partners will explore joint solutions that leverage FLANQ’s autonomous surface platforms and CMMI’s maritime research expertise to deliver next-generation mission capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) protection, environmental monitoring, and precision strike.
At the heart of this MoU is a shared commitment to accelerating the transition of autonomous surface vessel concepts into operational reality, tailored to the unique challenges of the Mediterranean theatre. Through joint research, trials, and system integration, FLANQ and CMMI will drive innovations that ensure persistent, scalable, and mission-adaptable maritime security solutions.
Daniel Esser, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at FLANQ, said: “The Mediterranean remains one of the most dynamic and strategically vital regions in the world. By joining forces with CMMI, we can deliver autonomous maritime capabilities that combine scientific excellence with operational agility—strengthening security, resilience, and situational awareness for Cyprus and her regional partners.”
Zacharias Siokouros, CMMI’s Chief Executive Officer added: “This MoU represents a significant milestone for CMMI and for Cyprus. Partnering with FLANQ allows us to bridge cutting-edge maritime science with real-world defence applications, supporting both regional stability and sustainable ocean stewardship.”
Rostock, Germany – June 04, 2025 – FLANQ, a German-based maritime defence solutions provider, and MetOcean Telematics, a global leader in end-to-end telemetry solutions and maritime security technologies, today announced a strategic cooperation focused on advancing persistent submarine surveillance in Germany’s maritime theatre.
This cooperation marks a significant step toward strengthening NATO-aligned undersea situational awareness through intelligent, distributed sensing and data fusion. Together, FLANQ and MetOcean will supply and support commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) surveillance systems designed to detect, classify, and track submerged threats across contested and congested German waters.
At the core of this initiative is NiKA, MetOcean’s new ASW surveillance instrument, engineered for long-endurance acoustic sensing. Deployed from USV or ship, NiKA autonomously dives to programmed depths to perform real-time passive acoustic surveillance, detecting and classifying adversary signatures across the water column. Depending on mission parameters or when anomalies are detected, NiKA surfaces to transmit data to commanders via Iridium satellite before resubmerging to continue its surveillance cycle.
FLANQ will supply and support the integration of these systems into standalone and integrated maritime security systems-of-systems. Leveraging FLANQ’s autonomous surface platforms and Q-MIND technology stack, the combined system will deliver persistent, wide-area submarine detection and classification capabilities.
Key Capabilities to Be Delivered:
• Persistent, scalable underwater detection grid powered by MetOcean’s advanced hydroacoustic NiKA device
• Embedded edge processing for real-time sensor monitoring and anomaly detection
• Interoperability with NATO and German Navy maritime C2 structures
• Rapid deployment, training, and in-theatre containerised sustainment optimised for Baltic and North Sea conditions
“The undersea domain remains one of the most strategically contested arenas in Europe,” said Daniel Esser, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at FLANQ. “With MetOcean, we can now deliver a surveillance system that is agile, intelligent, and field-ready – designed for the complexities of modern maritime conflict.”
Tony Chedrawy, CEO at MetOcean Telematics, added: “This partnership with FLANQ enables us to extend our field-proven capabilities – combining advanced sensing with our Iridium satellite data delivery solutions – into a fully integrated operational environment. Together, we are empowering Germany and its allies with the tools and connectivity needed to secure the undersea battlespace. Empowering data connectivity, everywhere.”
Rostock, Germany – June 16, 2025 – Subsea Europe Services, together with its defence division, FLANQ, has been appointed as a mainland Europe distributor for the Voxometer® multi-aspect survey system developed by Malta-based R3Vox. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in Subsea Europe Services’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge hydrographic survey and underwater inspection technologies to commercial, academic and, through FLANQ, defence customers in the European market.
Subsea Europe Services is preparing to take delivery of the most advanced Voxometer-XL system soon, with availability in the company’s rental pool anticipated by the end of summer 2025. Its introduction to the European market is expected to revolutionise hydrographic surveying by reducing operational complexities and delivering superior data quality.
The Voxometer is a unique marine survey system that introduces a new standard for speed, simplicity, and precision in seafloor mapping and data acquisition. As the first smart, agile, and fully automated MA3® Multi Aspect Survey System, it enables faster hydrographic surveys with significantly reduced operational complexity and cost.
Designed for ease of use, even by operators with limited experience, the Voxometer delivers near-end quality data directly from the vessel – either crewed or uncrewed. Its ability to capture multiple data types in a single pass, combined with minimal setup and streamlined processing, shortens project timelines and accelerates return on investment. In an industry facing a widening skills gap, the Voxometer represents a bold, practical shift toward more efficient and accessible seabed mapping.
Under the Voxometer distributor agreement, Subsea Europe Services will promote and represent the system for sales and rental across mainland Europe, focusing on customers in academic research, offshore survey, and geophysical industries. FLANQ will lead engagement with clients in defence, maritime security, and government sectors, ensuring the Voxometer’s capabilities are accessible across both civil and strategic applications.
Subsea Europe Services’ appointment as a distributor for the Voxometer in mainland Europe builds upon a longstanding relationship with R3Vox’s sister company, R2Sonic. Over the past five years, Subsea Europe Services has successfully facilitated the sales and rental of R2Sonic’s Sonic multibeam echosounders, establishing a strong foundation of trust and collaboration for the launch of a radical new subsea technology.
“Our partnership with Subsea Europe Services is a strategic step in expanding the reach of the Voxometer system within Europe. Their technology expertise and commitment to customer success make them an ideal partner to introduce our next-generation survey technology,” said Cris Sabo, VP Sales for R3Vox and R2Sonic.
“Being selected as a mainland Europe distributor for the Voxometer is a testament to our dedication to providing clients with the most advanced and efficient survey solutions available,” said Sören Themann, CEO and Co-founder of Subsea Europe Services and FLANQ. “After seeing the Voxometer in action, I’m confident that it aligns perfectly with our mission to simplify marine data acquisition and analysis for professionals in both the commercial and defence sectors.”
For more information about the Voxometer® system for defence applications, please email: contact@flanqdefence.com
FLANQ, the German-based maritime defence solutions provider, has today launched Q-RECON 8, its first European designed and built Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) for operations in the littoral domain.
Developed in response to an urgent operational requirement from a European customer, Q-RECON 8 is a lightweight, 2.4 metre long, two-man portable USV purpose-built for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical interdiction.
A 30 kg internal payload bay supports a range of sensors, including 360°-night vision and multi-spectral cameras, ideal for covert monitoring, infrastructure inspections and beach landing surveys. Q-RECON 8 delivers reliable performance and adaptability across a wide range naval mission scenarios, including single-use, making it a valuable asset for naval special forces.
Powered by dual FLANQ-designed vectored jet drives, Q-RECON 8 achieves agile manoeuvrability and burst speeds of up to 30 knots. Its navigational suite includes onboard autopilot, GPS, IMU, and optional dead-reckoning capability for operations in GNSS-denied environments.
At the core of its mission versatility is FLANQ’s proprietary Q-KONTROL and Q-MIND hardware and software stack, enabling simplified, in-theatre payload reconfiguration and autonomous route planning—critical for real-time adaptation during dynamic operations.
“Q-RECON 8 has gone from concept to in-water testing in around 120 days – testimony to the speed of innovation in the European defence sector at the demand for affordable maritime autonomous systems,” said Chief Technology Officer at FLANQ, Jannik Sauer. “Our customer came to us with a very specific feature list, including price and portability and 100% European content. Q-RECON 8 is our response to those challenges.”
Q-RECON 8 is making its industry debut at the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough, UK this week, where it will be on display on FLANQ’s stand, F24.
For more information on Q-RECON 8, click here
Burnaby, BC, Canada / Rostock, Germany — [19th May, 2025] Cellula Robotics Limited has entered into a sales and representation agreement with Subsea Europe Services GmbH (SES) and its defence division, FLANQ. This strategic partnership will expand the market presence of Cellula’s advanced autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technologies across Northern Europe.
Under the agreement, SES will promote and represent Cellula’s full AUV portfolio—including the Envoy, Porter, and Guardian AUVs, the Subsea Warden Hovering AUV for ship signature management, and the Subsea Sentinel system for passive acoustic monitoring—in both commercial and scientific sectors. SES will focus on customers in academic research, offshore survey, and geophysical industries, while FLANQ will engage with defence, maritime security, and government clients.
This new partnership will support customers in Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland, offering local expertise and direct access to Cellula’s underwater platforms and sensors.
Richard Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Cellula Robotics (pictured right) said: “We have worked with SES and FLANQ co-founders, Sören Themann and Daniel Esser, for many years now. We’ve watched Subsea Europe’s strong, year-on-year growth and been impressed with their successful launch of FLANQ in 2024. Their laser focus on the customer’s mission and exceptional support and service, made today’s announcement a natural step. We have full confidence in their team’s professionalism and commitment to delivering for our organisation.”
Daniel Esser, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Subsea Services Europe and FLANQ (pictured left) added: “We’re excited to join forces with Cellula Robotics in Europe. They have an immensely impressive product portfolio – a portfolio which aligns perfectly with the challenges Europe is facing now across the maritime domain. Everything from trading challenges to protecting critical undersea infrastructure and strengthening sovereign defence capability.
As Richard has mentioned, Sören and myself know the Cellula leadership team very well, and we know they understand, respect and fully support their channel partners in the market. We know this team will excel together, by focusing on delivering reliable, solutions that deliver operational and domain advantage to our clients in energy, science and defence.”
The announcement comes in the same week as the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough, UK is taking place where both companies are exhibiting. Cellua Robotics can be found on Stand D40, and FLANQ on Stand F24.
