Sonardyne, MSubs collaborate on autonomous naval capabilities
MSubs XLUUV. (Photo: MSubs)
Sonardyne and MSubson 8 March announced a strategic partnership to advance long-endurance autonomous underwater platform capabilities for the UK defence sector.
Under an MoU, the pair will integrate Sonardyne’s commercial-off-the-shelf navigation, communication and imagining payloads into MSubs extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV) to offer naval forces better underwater situational awareness.
Sondardyne supplies technologies will include the SPRINT-Nav X hybrid inertial-Doppler navigation sensor suitable for GNSS-denied environments, AvTrak 6 long-range tracking, command and control instrument, and Vigilant forward-looking sonar.
The MSubs XLUUV is being used to help the RN understand future roles for uncrewed vessels in underwater surveillance, reconnaissance and ASW missions.
The two companies said the announcement built on success working with UK Defence.
The duo is targeting emerging opportunities such as Project CETUS, the RN’s plan to acquire an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).
More from Naval Warfare
-
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
US Navy expands non-standard acquisitions to rapidly field emerging technologies
The US Navy is increasing the use of OTA obligations to accelerate the procurement of seabed-subsea, littoral, expeditionary and uncrewed solutions.