Thales, BAE Systems to cooperate on next-gen sonar solutions

September 12, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense majors Thales and BAE Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on submarine sonar capability.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks a milestone in the UK’s submarine sonar enterprise to ensure operational readiness of the Royal Navy’s fleet.

In support of the MoU, BAE Systems proposed the appointment of Thales as the pan-flotilla Main Sonar Design Authority and Integrator (MSDA&I). This role recognises Thales’s deep expertise and ensures that the evolution of the submarine sonar enterprise remains centred on delivering enhanced capability.

“The underwater battlespace is one of the most complex and unforgiving environments in defence, where threats are often unseen but always present. By combining the complementary strengths of Thales and BAE Systems, we are bringing together world-class innovation and proven expertise to deliver cutting-edge sovereign capability for the UK to maintain decisive advantage at sea,” Paul Armstrong, Managing Director for Underwater Systems, Thales in the UK, said.

“This MoU unlocks the opportunity to further improve how we work together across all of our submarine programmes and provides a clear and joint focus in delivering the UK sovereign sonar capability of the future. This collaborative relationship will continue to ensure that we deliver world leading technologies and capabilities to the Royal Navy,” Henry Parker, BAE Systems Integrated Combat Systems Programme Director, commented.

Thales provides anti-submarine warfare sonar solutions to surface platforms through its Sonar 2087.

Building on more than two decades of close collaboration, both companies have developed a streamlined delivery construct that accelerates the deployment of advanced sonar solutions. Sonar products and components will continue to be sourced from across the UK sonar enterprise on a “best athlete” basis, according to Thales.

The defense firm recently signed a multi-million euro contract with the Irish government for the provision of towed sonar capability. The sonar, the first of its kind in Ireland, will be used for monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, thus significantly enhancing maritime security.