Thales UK Sonar Systems: New Contract with Royal Navy
Thales UK has recently awarded Marshall a significant long-term contract to develop and maintain components for sonar systems employed by the Royal Navy. This agreement, effective from 2025 through to 2039, encompasses vital elements of the Sonar 2076 system, which is used on the highly capable Astute-class submarines. Additionally, the contract includes the advanced Sonar 2087 technology, which not only equips Type 23 frigates but is also slated for incorporation into the new Type 26 frigates and their export variants.
Marshall’s Advanced Manufacturing Solutions unit, formerly known as Aerostructures, will oversee the production and in-service support of these systems from its facility in Cambridge. The division plans to leverage its specialized sonar module production capabilities while working closely with Thales to enhance tooling, electrical assembly configurations, and testing facilities, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the sonar systems.
Collaboration for Maritime Security
Steven Lockley, Managing Director of Thales UK Underwater Systems, underscored the importance of partnerships in the defense sector, stating, “Our collaboration with supply chain partners like Marshall is crucial to the ongoing success of Thales and the Royal Navy’s Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team program, ensuring around-the-clock equipment availability and resilience.” This partnership aims to bolster the operational capabilities of the Royal Navy and enhance the readiness of its maritime forces.
The strategic coordination between Thales and its partners is designed to maximize the efficiency and responsiveness of the Royal Navy’s sonar systems, which play an essential role in undersea warfare. This ongoing cooperation is critical in maintaining the Royal Navy’s status as a leading maritime force, equipped with the latest technology.
Enhanced Detection Capabilities
The Sonar 2087 system is a sophisticated towed sonar array that empowers naval ships to detect submarines from considerable distances, well before they pose a threat. This advanced capability is not only utilized by the UK but also adopted by various international naval forces including those of France, Italy, Spain, and Chile, highlighting the global significance of this technology.
The Sonar 2076, designed specifically for high-performance underwater detection, incorporates innovative acoustic sensors and processing tools, enabling naval forces to track and identify potential threats effectively. Furthermore, the upcoming Dreadnought-class submarines will be integrated with surface observation systems that merge electronic surveillance with visual imaging to enhance navigation and threat detection capabilities, making them some of the most advanced submarines in service.
Investment in Future Submarine Technology
In 2020, Thales secured a substantial £330 million contract, equivalent to approximately $442 million, to provide the next-generation Dreadnought-class submarines with the state-of-the-art Sonar 2076 system and Combat System Mast. This investment reflects a commitment to ensuring that the UK’s submarine fleet remains at the cutting edge of underwater warfare technology.
Such strategic advancements not only enhance the operational readiness of the Royal Navy but also affirm the UK’s dedication to maintaining a superior defense posture in an ever-evolving maritime landscape. With ongoing enhancements to sonar systems, the Royal Navy is poised to stay ahead of potential threats while ensuring long-term maritime security.
