Thales seals minehunting sonar MoU in South Korea
Yangyang-class minesweeper Ongjin in foreground of picture. (Photo: ROKN)
A new MoU with a South Korean SME will see Thales provide operational expertise in variable-depth sonars for mine countermeasure missions.
Thales and South Korean SME SonarTech signed an MoU on 21 September for joint in-depth R&D of variable-depth sonars for the next generation of mine countermeasure vessels.
Announced during the first day of the DX Korea 2022 exhibition at the KINTEX Exhibition Center near Goyang, the MoU will see Thales provide operational expertise in HF variable-depth sonars for mine warfare sonar systems.
SonarTech will offer technical expertise in underwater acoustic products and mine warfare hull-mounted sonar inboard electronics.
Thales already has experience in technical cooperation with local Korean partners such as SonarTech and LIG Nex 1, by providing equipment, technology and engineering assistance to develop local equipment.
Shephard previously reported that South Korea plans to implement the Minesweeper Hunter 2 programme in 2024 to replace six ageing Ganggyeong-class minehunters with new 500-700t vessels that would operate with autonomous underwater vehicles.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel]()
Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy]()
New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy
The frigate, Spartaco Schergat, is equipped for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare.
-
![NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs]()
NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
-
![Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials]()
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials
The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
