FLANQ Surfaces to Enhance European Security

28 February 2025

FLANQ Founders: Daniel Esser (CCO, left) and Sören Themann (CEO) are committed to the development of intelligent maritime defense technologies for Europe. (Image credit: FLANQ)

In response to Europe’s growing security challenges in the maritime domain, FLANQ has launched as a new provider of autonomous defense products. The company offers a comprehensive suite of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) uncrewed surface vessels, underwater drones, and sensor payloads powered by FLANQ’s proprietary artificial intelligence software and hardware stack. Headquartered in northern Germany, FLANQ is committed to putting the latest technological progress at the heart of a safe, strong, and united continent.

Building on decades of combined team experience in developing technology for offshore energy and ocean science, FLANQ specializes in integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities with proven COTS maritime hardware. These ready-to-deploy surface and underwater platforms provide naval forces with enhanced situational awareness and autonomous mission capabilities to counter evolving maritime threats, all backed by through-life support services.

“FLANQ, supported by our trusted industry partners, is resolutely focused on strengthening Europe’s maritime security landscape,” said Sören Themann, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FLANQ. “National sovereignty across the region is being tested on an unprecedented level by shadow fleets conducting hybrid warfare. Our AI-powered uncrewed systems provide navies with the rapid response capabilities needed to safeguard critical marine infrastructure above and below the surface, expansive coastlines, and essential trade routes. FLANQ’s solutions are more than drawing board concepts; they are commercially available and ready for immediate deployment.”

Innovation at the Core

FLANQ’s COTS solutions help put mission-winning technology into the hands of naval forces—at pace, on time, and on budget, offering:

Complete marine intelligence: Edge data processing for superior real-time situational awareness.
Platforms: Field-proven uncrewed surface and subsurface vessels built for endurance, reliability, and interoperability with NATO systems.
Payloads: Dual-use detection and monitoring technologies to sense, classify, and monitor potential surface and underwater threats.
Logistics and support: Flexible ownership models, customer-shaped support, and infield logistics ensuring naval platforms and sensors stay mission-ready, always.

“FLANQ’s commitment to European security is at the heart of our new mission,” said Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer Daniel Esser. “Since 2019, our focus has been on marine autonomy for the commercial sector delivering safe, smart, and sustainable surveys. With the launch of FLANQ, we’re applying our track record, our capability, and our resources to support the defense of Europe. In fact, we’ve already begun to deliver solutions to key defense customers that meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, and operational effectiveness, while ensuring alignment with strategic naval autonomy and interoperability goals.”