Marshall to produce sonar modules for Royal Navy

May 2, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense company Marshall has received a long-term contract from Thales UK to manufacture, maintain and support key components of anti-submarine sonar arrays for the Royal Navy.

Under the contract, which will run from 2025 through 2039, Marshall will become a leading supplier for Sonar 2076 and Sonar 2087.

Sonar 2076 is equipped on Astute-class submarines in addition to the next-generation Dreadnought class, while Sonar 2087 is in use on existing Type 23 frigates and will also be equipped on their upcoming replacement, the Type 26, including variants for export.

Production and in-service support will be undertaken by Marshall’s Advanced Manufacturing Solutions (formerly Aerostructures) business line in Cambridge, UK. The business also assembles auxiliary fuel tanks for the Boeing P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft.

“Our collaboration with supply chain partners like Marshall is critical to the continued success of Thales and the Royal Navy’s Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team (MSET) programme, delivering round the clock equipment availability and resilience. This partnership not only enhances operational capability, but also supports jobs, innovation and investment in the UK’s maritime sector and ensures that platforms equipped with Sonar 2076 and Sonar 2087 remain at the forefront of anti-submarine warfare,” Steven Lockley, Managing Director, Underwater Systems, Thales UK, said.

While production of sonar array modules will make full use of existing in-house capabilities and expertise, Marshall and Thales will also invest in specialized tooling, electrical assembly and testing equipment, and facilities on its Cambridge site.

“In addition to reinforcing our highly successful partnership with Thales, this new contract underscores Marshall’s position as a global authority on complex subsystem assembly. We are excited to join the UK’s domestic network of experts supporting our continuous at-sea deterrent,” Gareth Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Engineering Businesses, Marshall, concluded.