FarSounder sonar for RNLN vessels
FarSounder’s 3D sonar systems have been selected for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s (RNLN’s) hydrographic survey vessels, the company announced on 30 July.
The company’s Forward-Looking Sonar (FLS) will provide the crew of HNLMS Snellius and HNLMS Luymes with real-time data that updates at every ping on their bridge regarding what lies ahead under the water as the ships navigate.
Snellius and Luymes carry out military and public safety operations, along with hydrographic survey duties in both the North Sea and the Netherlands Antilles. These duties include rapid environmental assessments, in addition to bathymetry and route surveys. The FarSounder FLS’ local history mapping capability allows for true real-time mapping of the seafloor. This map updates every two seconds and can be saved for future use.
The equipment will be installed as part of the vessels’ mid-life upkeep programme, being carried out by Damen Shipyards Den Helder.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Shoreline vulnerability drives Gulf interest in USV networks
Ukraine’s combat-proven Magura uncrewed surface vessel is attracting Gulf state interest as the Iran war exposes gaps in layered maritime air defence, raising questions about whether low-cost attritable systems can gain a foothold in a procurement culture historically drawn to high-end Western platforms.
-
Partnerships will be critical for future projects at Latin American shipyards
Multiple Latin American navies are modernising their fleets by prioritising domestically manufactured surface vessels and even submarines via international partnerships.
-
Sweden swayed by speed to capability in French frigate win
Naval Group has secured a contract to supply four Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention frigates to the Royal Swedish Navy, extending the French naval industry’s reach into Northern Europe and showing why speed to capability has become the defining criterion in today’s defence procurement contests.
-
SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations
US Naval Special Warfare Command is assessing the feasibility of rapidly producing expendable mid-sized USVs in theatre to support SOF and maritime security missions.
-
Germany’s F126 delays open the door for Rheinmetall’s naval ambitions
Germany’s F126 frigate crisis has handed Rheinmetall an opening it had been working towards for years, and the company intends to make the most of it.
-
SOF Week 2026: MARSOC selects upgraded Shark Marine dive navigation system
MARSOC is procuring the Shark Marine Dive Tablet 2 to address a longstanding combat diver navigation capability gap, improving underwater positioning, situational awareness and integration with existing diver propulsion vehicles.