EuropeSea

Thales to Supply Hundreds of Anti-Submarine Sonobuoys to French Navy

The French Navy is enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities with the procurement of SonoFlash sonobuoys from Thales.

Under the newly-signed agreement, the company will deliver “several hundred” SonoFlash sonobuoys featuring both active and passive detection technologies.

These will allow the equipment to effectively search, locate, and track hostile submarines over greater distances and respond swiftly to any movement changes.

Once delivered, the sonobuoys are expected to bolster France’s strategic and operational capabilities in anti-submarine warfare.

“Thales is proud to contribute to the development of the French anti-submarine warfare sector,” company vice president for underwater systems, Sébastien Guérémy, noted.

“The excellence of Thales’ offerings solutions in this field is recognized worldwide and is being put to the service of the French Navy in a context of renewed tensions at sea.”

‘Impressive Detection Capabilities’

The SonoFlash sonobuoys are equipped with a powerful low-frequency emitter and a highly directional receiver for passive underwater listening.

With high-performance communication systems, they allow seamless data transmission to surface ships, aircraft, and acoustic support centers equipped with sonobuoy processing systems.

Additionally, the sonobuoys are fully interoperable with the Flash dipping sonar and the CAPTAS family of towed array sonars, providing impressive detection capabilities.

SonoFlash sonobuoys can be deployed from maritime patrol aircraft or anti-submarine helicopters, including the Atlantique 2 (ATL2) and NH90 Caiman.

In mid-2024, Thales successfully demonstrated the ability of the ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft to launch the SonoFlash sonobuoy at sea.

SonoFlash
Concept image of the SonoFlash anti-submarine sonobuoy. Photo: Thales

Related Articles

Back to top button