Sonardyne, MSubs collaborate on autonomous naval capabilities
MSubs XLUUV. (Photo: MSubs)
The two companies have previously worked to demonstrate the Vigilant forward-looking sonar onto MSubs XLUUV.
Sonardyne and MSubson 8 March announced a strategic partnership to advance long-endurance autonomous underwater platform capabilities for the UK defence sector.
Under an MoU, the pair will integrate Sonardyne’s commercial-off-the-shelf navigation, communication and imagining payloads into MSubs extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV) to offer naval forces better underwater situational awareness.
Sondardyne supplies technologies will include the SPRINT-Nav X hybrid inertial-Doppler navigation sensor suitable for GNSS-denied environments, AvTrak 6 long-range tracking, command and control instrument, and Vigilant forward-looking sonar.
The MSubs XLUUV is being used to help the RN understand future roles for uncrewed vessels in underwater surveillance, reconnaissance and ASW missions.
The two companies said the announcement built on success working with UK Defence.
The duo is targeting emerging opportunities such as Project CETUS, the RN’s plan to acquire an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push]()
Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push
Chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine tells Shephard how Babcock is lining up New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and the US for its Arrowhead 140 frigate, speaks on the hybrid navy offer and talks AUKUS.
-
![Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift]()
Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift
The 50m, six-person ship from the Italian shipbuilder carries swappable, containerised payloads instead of a fixed mission, reflecting a shift that is becoming increasingly evident.
-
![Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties]()
Canada’s submarine availability under pressure as Chicoutimi is unlikely to return to front-line duties
HMCS Victoria and HMCS Windsor could return from their current deep maintenance, but unconfirmed operational timelines leave questions over patrol capacity before the first CPSP arrives.
