First UK autonomous XL military submarine is put through in-water testing
The BAE Systems Herne XLAUV has hit the water.
Ultra Electronics has installed the first S2150 Hull Mount Sonar on a RN Type 23 frigate HMS Portland according to a 6 April statement.
The new sonar will replace the legacy Sonar Type 2050 which has been used on several RN vessels since the 1990s. Currently plans will see the sonar fitted to at least eight Type 23 ships.
Mike Williams, Managing Director of Command & Sonar Systems said: ‘Reaching this significant milestone has been key for Ultra. With a number of significant challenges from the Sonar 2050 system it replaces, the project team has designed and developed a system that simplifies user operability.’
Smaller and lighter versions of the S2150 have also been produced for naval ships weighing between 1,000t and 2,000t.
The upgrade will enhance the RN’s ASuW capability on its frigates and OPVs.
The BAE Systems Herne XLAUV has hit the water.
Extra funds will enable the branch to manage vessel acquisition programmes better.
Australia has been without a heavy landing capability since the retirement of the last of eight Balikpapan Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels in 2014. Work on new ships is expected to begin in 2026.
The Autumn round of Tartan Eagle training just concluded in Scotland.
The organisations have broadened the remit of an existing MoU to help boost underwater defence innovation.
As defence markets shift to meet new demands, the naval sector has found itself at the centre of a transformative wave, driven by geopolitical shifts, the need for rapid technological advancement, and a redefined approach to maritime power projection.