Highland Systems Presents World’s First Gliding Submarine at IDEX

Highland Systems, a U.A.E.-based company unveiled Kronos, a stealthy gliding submarine, at the ongoing IDEX 2023 exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

A prototype of the Kronos has been put on display at the IDEX. It is designed to perform a variety of tasks: from commercial and rescue missions to full-fledged military operations.

The 7.4 m-wide and 9 m-long Kronos will be able to reach speeds of upto 80 kmph on water and 50 kmph under water. It can dive upto 100 m and has maximum critical depth of 250m.

According to Defense Express, Italy’s Leonardo will arm the Kronos with six Black Scorpion torpedoes, three each side of the hull. It is a 127mm torpedo 1.1 m in length and 20 kg of weight, and can reach a target 3 km away.

Kronos’ landing compartment provides accommodation for a group of up to 10 personnel, while the crew is just one person. The landing squad can leave the submarine right underwater.

In addition, the submarine can be operated remotely, up to 250 km via cyphered channels. The primary role in this case is to deliver cargo, up to 3 tons can be lifted.

The ship is covered with a special composite material from outside and in. It preserves the heat and makes detection by enemy sonars more difficult.