UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
Sonar 2150 passes sea acceptance trials
UK RN Type 23 frigate HMS Portland. (Photo: Ultra.)
Ultra’s 2150 hull-mounted sonar replaces the Sonar Type 2050, which has been in Royal Navy (RN) service since the 1990s.
The Sonar 2150 system from Ultra Electronics completed first-of-class sea acceptance trials in June 2021 aboard the UK RN Type 23 frigate HMS Portland.
Ultra announced on 30 July that the success of the trials represented a ‘further validation’ of the new hull-mounted sonar.
Trials took place over multiple days at sea, detecting and tracking a target and proving its passive and active performance.
The RN will fit the type 2150 sonar onto its Type 23 anti-submarine warfare frigates.
The new sonar features a user interface designed to ‘improve operator effectiveness’ and usability. The outboard array is controlled digitally, minimising cabling requirements and extending the time between maintenance intervals.
Sonar 2150 is part of Ultra’s ‘Sea Searcher’ range of hull-mounted sonar systems. The company has also developed two lighter-weight versions of the type 2150 designed for vessels up to 1,000t and 2,000t.
In addition to installation on the Type 23 frigates, the type 2150 sonar will equip the future Type 26 City-class frigates.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
-
![Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?]()
Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
-
![US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026]()
US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.
