Lockheed Martin selects Thales to supply ASW sonars
ALFS dipping sonar on MH-60R helicopter. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Thales has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin to supply airborne anti-submarine warfare sonars for the MH-60R helicopter.
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
-
![Quantum sensing gathers pace as navies eye undersea advantage]()
Quantum sensing gathers pace as navies eye undersea advantage
As AI dominates defence conversations, industry increasingly points to quantum sensing as the technology set to change submarine and uncrewed underwater vehicle operations.
-
![Competitive P17B tender marks a shift in Indian Navy frigate procurement]()
Competitive P17B tender marks a shift in Indian Navy frigate procurement
The Indian Navy's P17B programme is expected to combine greater weapons capacity with a competitive domestic construction model, although key systems could remain dependent on international supply chains.
-
![How France’s SNLE 3G programme is reshaping the naval nuclear industrial base]()
How France’s SNLE 3G programme is reshaping the naval nuclear industrial base
Extending far beyond a four-submarine replacement programme, France’s ballistic missile submarine effort is a decades-long industrial initiative designed to preserve the country’s ability to build and sustain nuclear-powered strategic platforms.
-
![Quantum Systems enters maritime domain with Baltic-focused USV and UUV]()
Quantum Systems enters maritime domain with Baltic-focused USV and UUV
Quantum Systems has launched into the maritime domain with Seavex and Subvex, aiming to close a Baltic Sea ISR gap opened by infrastructure sabotage.
-
![China’s mineral processing dominance exposes naval supply chain vulnerabilities]()
China’s mineral processing dominance exposes naval supply chain vulnerabilities
Competition for critical minerals, and China’s dominance of their processing, is emerging as a decisive factor in future naval procurement programmes.
