Thales and Naval Group Join Forces for Submarine Sonar Systems
Thales has officially entered into a partnership with Naval Group to provide high-performance sonar systems for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s next generation of submarines. This collaboration aims to equip the future Orka-class submarines, which are destined to replace the existing Walrus-class vessels currently in service.
The advanced sonar suite is designed to significantly enhance situational awareness by identifying and evaluating underwater threats across diverse ranges and frequencies. Key features of this system include obstacle-avoidance sonars, an intercept array, and a passive towed-array sonar, all working cohesively to create a comprehensive acoustic picture of the underwater landscape.
Enhancing Underwater Threat Detection
Moreover, the sonar setup also integrates an underwater communication system, echo sounder, and signal processing racks. This sophisticated combination ensures that underwater vessels can accurately detect potential threats, thereby improving their operational effectiveness in complex maritime environments.
Sébastien Guérémy, Vice President for Underwater Systems at Thales, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership will enhance the technological superiority of the Dutch armed forces and reflects our ongoing commitment to providing innovative, dependable solutions in support of the defense capabilities of allied nations.”
Proven Expertise in Underwater Systems
Thales boasts a proven track record, with its systems already integrated into over 50 submarines worldwide. This includes a range of vessels such as ballistic missile submarines, nuclear-powered attack submarines, and conventionally powered attack submarines.
In addition to sonar systems, Thales provides cutting-edge maritime technologies, including mine-hunting systems, navigation systems, and sonobuoys, thereby ensuring robust support for naval operations on a global scale.
Expanded Capabilities for the French Navy
In a related development, earlier this year, the French Navy made a strategic decision to select Thales’ SonoFlash sonobuoys. This contract entails the delivery of hundreds of sonobuoys, equipped with both active and passive detection technologies.
These sonobuoys will play a crucial role in enhancing the French Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, significantly improving their ability to detect, track, and respond to submarine activities over substantial distances.
