Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar
Sonar 2087 towed array is in service with several countries and is now believed to have been ordered by Ireland. (Photo: Thales)
Ireland has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 370km (200nm) offshore and contains 75% of the transatlantic subsea cables which carry $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. The country is investing to increase protection and surveillance of these waters.
Ireland has ordered towed array sonars from Thales, a deal stated by Minister for Defence Simon Harris as being worth “multi-million Euros” with the system expected to be in service by 2027.
The type of system to be purchased has not been disclosed but it is likely to be the Thales Combined Active Passive Towed Array Sonar (CAPTAS), specifically Sonar 2087. It would be deployed from existing Irish Naval Service (INS) ships.
It has been reported in Irish media that the deal is worth €60 million (US$69 million) and with a unit cost reported by Shephard Defence Insight of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
-
![Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?]()
Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
-
![US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026]()
US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.
