European shipyards will equip NATO vessels with the latest BlackFish HMS sonar systems and WhitePointer UC underwater communications setups. This development comes from contract data reported by Maritime News [Source: Maritime News].
In the report, BlackFish HMS is described as a medium-frequency system engineered to protect medium and large surface ships, supporting operations in both coastal waters and deep seas where anti-submarine missions are active. The technology emphasizes autonomy, with capabilities tailored for self-defense formations and fleet-wide awareness during high-stakes missions across varied theaters of operation [Source: Maritime News].
Leveraging advances in machine learning, BlackFish can identify underwater objects, track their movements, and classify targets. Its functionality extends beyond submarines and surface ships to include detection and monitoring of underwater threats such as bottom mines and torpedoes, enabling faster decision-making and safer navigation for deployed units [Source: Maritime News].
WhitePointer underwater communications is designed to support flexible voice and data exchange among surface ships, divers, submarines, and underwater platforms. The system enables seamless, multi-channel coordination in challenging environments where secure, real-time communication is essential for mission success [Source: Maritime News].
The system features a synthesized high-power transceiver capable of supporting multi-user submarine networks. It can be programmed to operate across as many as 30 distinct frequencies, while also allowing data to be transmitted on one frequency and received on another, promoting robust and adaptable underwater links in contested scenarios [Source: Maritime News].
In related developments, claims have circulated in certain outlets about explosives being activated via a sonar buoy beneath the Nord Stream pipelines. The allegations connect to alleged NATO activities in the summer of 2022, and while they have attracted significant attention, they remain contentious and require careful verification from multiple sources [Attribution: investigative reporting discussions; no official confirmation provided].
Additional discussions surrounding the Nord Stream incident include assertions about a separate aerial incident attributed to a Norwegian Navy aircraft on a specific date. These claims have been widely debated, with various accounts offering different timelines and technical details, underscoring the need for cautious interpretation and corroboration from authoritative sources [Attribution: ongoing reports; verification pending].