Thales is set to deliver an extensive range of advanced sonar systems for the upcoming Orka-class submarines intended to succeed the current Walrus-class fleet in service with the Royal Netherlands Navy.
The contract signed by Thales and Naval Group will equip the submarines with a detailed understanding of the underwater acoustic landscape, thereby assisting the Netherlands in ensuring operational dominance.
The sonar suite is equipped with advanced acoustic sensors, which encompass bow, flank, and obstacle-avoidance sonars, an intercept array, a passive towed-array sonar, an underwater voice communication system, an echo-sounder, and signal processing racks.
This integrated collection of technology will deliver an unparalleled panoramic perspective of the underwater landscape, enabling the detection, localization, and classification of various threats at short, medium, and long distances across a broad spectrum of frequencies.
Sylvain Perrier, RNSC Programme Director for Naval Group, said: “The highly capable Thales sonar suite was a key component of Naval Group’s bid for this programme, and will make a significant contribution to the acoustic superiority of the Orka-class submarines. We know we can count on Thales to meet the demanding requirements of the COMMIT3 and to work hand in hand with Dutch industry on the RNSC programme.”
“We are proud that Thales’s advanced sonar suite has been selected to equip the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Orka-class submarines. 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 defence capabilities of allied nations,” said Sébastien Guérémy, Vice President, Underwater Systems, Thales.
Thales stands as a global frontrunner in the underwater systems sector, providing equipment for over 50 submarines, including SSBNs, SSNs, and conventionally powered attack submarines currently in operation.
