Lockheed Martin selects Thales to supply ASW sonars
ALFS dipping sonar on MH-60R helicopter. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
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
-
RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.