Highland Systems introduced the new project of the Steal of Kronos, which can radically change military conflicts in the future. The novelty was demonstrated at the International Naval and Security Exhibition Navdex 2023.
Kronos was originally designed for underwater repair work and servicing the needs of people during underwater travel. However, Highland Systems later shifted the project to cater to military needs.
Kronos is capable of accommodating up to 10 passengers comfortably and has a carrying capacity of up to 3 tons on water, with a total weight of about 10 tons. The submarine can reach a maximum speed of 80 km/h on water and up to 50 km/h underwater, operating at a depth of 100 meters, with a critical immersion depth of up to 250 meters.
One of the key features of the submarine is its ability to swiftly make a 180-degree turn at full speed. The unique design of Kronos makes it more maneuverable and stealthier than traditional submarines.
Equipped with an electric engine and a coating that absorbs sonar waves, Kronos is an ideal stealth machine. It can launch torpedoes and silently approach enemy vessels to install magnetic mines, which can be detonated from a safe distance. Additionally, Kronos is armed with six Black Scorpion torpedoes from Leonardo.
It is important to note that Kronos is not the only submarine designed for covert operations. In November 2023, China unveiled its latest non-nuclear submarine of the Yuan class (Type-039c), featuring a tilted keel to reduce detectability on sensors.