Royal Navy locates US sonar lost at sea
The UK Royal Navy’s Sandown class minehunter HMS Bangor has used its Thales 2093 Variable Depth Sonar to locate a US Navy AQS-24 towed sonar when it became detached from a MH-53 Sea Dragon helicopter during an exercise.
The successful detection of the towed sonar saved more than $1 million for the US Navy. The crew of Bangor were taking part in a major Anglo-French-US minehunting exercise in the Gulf when the incident occurred.
Following its detection by the 2093, the sonar was then retreived by a US dive team using its Seabotix underwater robot.
The 2093 sonar is a variable-depth, multi-mode minehunting sonar. It can detect and classify very small objects on the seabed and in the water. As part of the Sonar 2093 Capability Sustainment Programme, the Royal Navy is set to receive wideband capability, which will further enhance the performance of this sonar system.
Phil Jones, head of Thales UK’s maritime business, said: ‘This is a fantastic example of what our minehunting sonars can achieve today. The current performance of Sonar 2093 is outstanding, but I’m sure the Royal Navy will be delighted with the improvements they will receive through the Capability Sustainment Programme. I’m glad that the US Navy was able to get its towed sonar back. A real team effort.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026]()
European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026
France, Germany and Italy lead the way on unawarded naval defence opportunities that could be awarded this year, but across Europe countries are ramping up their spending efforts to face geopolitical challenges.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
