Ultra Electronics USSI to support USN underwater warfare superiority
Ultra Electronics USSI will design, manufacture, test and deliver an Extended Range - Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (ER-DIFAR) system to the USN by July 2024, under a $24.13 million contract from the Office of Naval Research.
The contract was awarded after a competitive process.
ER-DIFAR is intended to enhance the ability of the USN to detect underwater threats, being ‘integral… to the US Navy’s technology roadmap to ensure global ASW superiority,’ Ultra noted in a 14 September statement.
Ultra Electronics USSI has experience in producing hydrophones and DIFAR elements, as well as modern fabrication and test methods associated with air-deployed sonobuoys.
Patrick Allison, vice-president of business development, said: ‘Ultra has positioned its technology and decades of ASW sonobuoy experience to leverage low-cost, highly reliable ASW sensors that complement the USN underwater sonar architecture.’
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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy to deploy UAVs with standard munitions in long-range strikes
As part of the Runway Independent Maritime & Expeditionary Strike programme, the US Navy is pursuing drones capable of delivering palletised rounds or 1,000lb-class munitions.
-
Turkey targets Italian market with strategic partnership on USVs and hybrid platforms
Havelsan, VN Maritime and Piloda Defence will collaborate to develop and integrate a range of maritime solutions with a view to secure a first procurement contract in Italy in the first half of this year.
-
Could Asia and the Middle East offer growth opportunities for Italy’s Fincantieri?
Export campaigns for Fincantieri’s submarines and frigates are central to the company’s ambitions as billions of dollars in unawarded contracts come into focus.
-
US Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter ramp-up signifies turning point in Polar operations
The USCG recently announced the award of a contract to Davie Defense for the supply of five ASCs, marking a major step in the acquisition programme as the US grows its presence in the Arctic.
-
UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
-
US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations
The NEREUS project aims to enhance and expand the US Navy’s existing communications systems, enabling crewed/uncrewed seabed and subsurface missions.