US awards sonobuoy contracts worth up to $5.1 billion
Sonobuoys being loaded into a P-3 Orion. (Photo: US Navy)
The US Navy has awarded contracts worth up to $5.1 billion for producing and delivering a range of sonobuoy types.
The firm-fixed-price modifications to previously awarded contracts have been placed with Lockheed Martin, Undersea Sensor Systems and Sparton De Leon Springs.
The modifications cover the delivery of a range of sonobuoys, including bathythermograph, passive, active/passive combo, multi-static source and multi-static receivers in support of training, peacetime operations, testing, and maintaining inventories to support major combat operations.
Work under the contract modifications is expected to be completed in September 2027.
In September, Sparton/USSI JV Erapsco was awarded a $181.88 million contract modification from Naval Air Systems Command for anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys.
Under the award, up to 100,000 additional AN/SSQ-53, 16,000 AN/SSQ-101, and 10,000 AN/SSQ-62 sonobuoys will be supplied to the service.
More from Defence Notes
-
![High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?]()
High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues]()
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
