27 March 2023

Thales to deliver capability insertion package for Sonar 2087

by Richard Scott

Sonar 2087 equips eight RN Type 23 frigates. Pictured here is the sonar room of HMS Westminster – the sonar director is nearest to the camera, with the four dual-screen sonar operator consoles ranged behind. (NAVYPIX/Richard Scott)

Thales UK is set to start rolling out a package of enhancements for the Sonar 2087 low-frequency active/passive variable depth sonar equipping the Royal Navy's (RN's) eight anti-submarine warfare (ASW)-optimised Type 23 frigates under a phased capability insertion project (CIP).

The iterative fast-track upgrade, for which Thales was awarded a GBP110 million (USD134.506 million) Sonar 2087 Design Authority Capability Insertion Project (S2087 DA-CIP) contract in September 2022, forms part of the RN's wider ASW Spearhead programme. A first enhancement delivered under the CIP will be installed as part of routine ship maintenance/upkeep following a successful sea trial in January 2023.

Developed by Thales UK, the Sonar 2087 system adopts a low-frequency active variable depth sonar common to the proprietary Thales CAPTAS-4/UMS 4249 low-frequency active/passive sonar, but differs in that it additionally integrates a very-low-frequency passive towed array and a UK-developed software suite. Achieving initial operating capability in November 2007, Sonar 2087 remains the surface fleet's principal long-range ASW sensor and will be carried forward into the RN's new Type 26 frigates.

Intended to enable the RN to maintain an edge against a qualitatively improving submarine threat, the ASW Spearhead programme has been structured as a rapid capability delivery initiative to enable new software-based functionalities to transition to the front line much faster than traditional processes allow. These enhancements will address a number of areas, including improved detection and tracking, enhancements to the operator human-computer interface, and new decision aids and training tools.

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