Naval Warfare

Lockheed Martin selects Thales to supply ASW sonars

28th April 2021 - 16:16 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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ALFS dipping sonar on MH-60R helicopter. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

Thales has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin to supply airborne anti-submarine warfare sonars for the MH-60R helicopter.

Lockheed Martin has selected Thales as a tier-one supplier of up to 55 airborne anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sonar units. The sonars will be supplied to the USN primarily.

The Airborne Low-Frequency Sonar (ALFS) dipping sonars will be installed on the MH-60R helicopter. The navies of India, Greece and Denmark will receive the sonar system as they are buying the MH-60R via the FMS programme.

ALFS is capable of detecting, classifying, prosecuting, harassing or attacking submarines.

The system functions as a low-frequency active sonar and has been designed for the initial detection and tracking of submarines.

It offers a long detection range, a wide coverage rate and a low false alarm level, in both deep and coastal waters.

ALFS can be used autonomously to clear a particular area or as a complementary ASW asset to vessels for target relocation and attack.

The first 42 sonars will be delivered over the next five years and the remaining 13 systems are expected to be delivered in the sixth year.

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