Lockheed Martin selects Thales to supply ASW sonars
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.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
![How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions]()
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
![Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA]()
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
