Euronaval: Thales unveils new compact sonars
Thales announced at Euronaval on 27 October that it has introduced a range of new compact sonars to meet the underwater threat detection and deterrence requirements of smaller vessels.
The sonars - which include a hull-mounted sonar called the Thales BlueWatcher, and an associated towed array sonar called the Captas-1 - have been introduced in response to growing demand as nations expand their fleets of patrol vessels and corvettes to defend their sovereign interests in territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zones.
The compact and modular sonars will equip surface combatants and patrol vessels displacing 300 tonnes or more, providing an initial Anti-Submarine Warfare capability for low-intensity missions.
The Thales BlueWatcher is a compact hull-mounted plug-and-play sonar based on the same technology as the FLASH dipping sonar for helicopters in service with the US Navy, the UK Royal Navy and the French Navy.
As the latest addition to the Captas family, Captas-1 has a single ceramic ring configuration, and uses the same technological building blocks as the Captas-2 and Captas-4 low-frequency variable-depth sonars in service with several NATO countries. The lightweight Captas-1 has an all-electric reeling system for ease of deployment from smaller vessels.
The new offerings will enable vessels of all types to carrying sonar systems – previously only carried by front-line warships deployed as part of a larger naval or carrier group on anti-submarine warfare missions.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?]()
What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?
As new details emerge on the UK Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, three main areas of opportunity for new technology are the focal point.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
