The US State Department has approved a possible $75-million sale of mine-hunting sonar upgrades to Spain, clearing the transaction for congressional review.
Madrid requested seven upgrade kits for its AN/SQQ-32(V)3+ mine-hunting sonars, which are used to locate and classify underwater mines.
The upgrades will help the Spanish Navy maintain its mine-countermeasure capabilities and continue supporting NATO operations to keep ports and key maritime routes clear of underwater threats.
Additional equipment includes components for the sonar’s towed body, support systems, and spare parts.
Spain would also receive software, technical documentation, engineering assistance, and logistics support.
Unlike fixed hull-mounted equipment, the AN/SQQ-32 uses a sonar body lowered into the water and towed by a mine-countermeasure vessel.
This allows operators to search at different depths and distinguish potential mines from other underwater objects.
The US Navy’s Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, Florida, would supply the equipment and technical support.
Spain’s Modernization Efforts
The sonar upgrade is the latest in a series of major Spanish defense acquisitions this year.
In August, Madrid approved a seven-year agreement with Poland covering up to seven Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft and logistics support.
Poland is expected to receive four tankers and Spain three under the 5.4-billion-euro ($6.2-billion) program.
Earlier this year, Washington cleared a possible $1.7-billion upgrade package for Spain’s five F100 frigates.
It includes Aegis combat systems, Mk 41 vertical launch systems, new radars, communications equipment, and technical support.
