Thales has announced a new commitment to the Royal Netherlands Navy to equip the future Orka-class submarines with an advanced sonar suite, featuring OptiArray technology from Optics11 as part of their partnership to deliver breakthrough underwater surveillance capabilities.
Optics11 press release
A New Era of Underwater Surveillance for the Netherlands
Underwater surveillance is entering a new era as the Royal Netherlands Navy modernizes its submarine fleet. Central to this initiative is the development of the Orka-class submarines, set to replace Walrus-class vessels. A crucial component of this upgrade is the integration of advanced sonar technology to enhance underwater surveillance capabilities.
Thales Delivers Cutting-Edge Sonar Technology
Thales, a global leader in defense and security technologies, has been selected to supply a comprehensive sonar suite for these new submarines. This suite includes high-performance acoustic sensors such as bow, flank, and obstacle-avoidance sonars. Additionally, it features an intercept array, a passive towed-array sonar, an underwater voice communication system, an echo-sounder, and signal processing racks. Collectively, these components will provide an unparalleled panoramic view of the underwater environment, enabling the detection, localization, and classification of various threats across multiple ranges and frequencies. (Thales Press Release here)
OptiArray: Revolutionizing Underwater Surveillance
A standout feature of this sonar suite is the incorporation of OptiArray technology, developed by Optics11. OptiArray is a state-of-the-art optical thin-line towed array system that leverages advanced fiber optic sensing technology. This innovation offers unmatched sensitivity and reliability in underwater environments, significantly enhancing submarines’ navigational and defensive capabilities. Its compact design and low power consumption further boost operational efficiency, allowing for extended missions without compromising performance.
Staying Ahead of Evolving Underwater Threats
The collaboration between Thales and Optics11 exemplifies the Dutch government’s commitment to supporting and empowering strategic national industries. By integrating Dutch technologies like OptiArray into critical defense systems, the Netherlands not only improves its naval capabilities but also fosters innovation and economic growth within its high-tech sectors. This partnership underscores the importance of cutting-edge technology in maintaining maritime security through underwater surveillance. As underwater threats become increasingly silent and sophisticated, the need for advanced underwater surveillance systems is important. The integration of Thales’s sonar suite, enhanced by OptiArray, ensures that the Royal Netherlands Navy remains at the forefront of underwater defense, capable of countering emerging challenges effectively.
Strengthening Underwater Surveillance for the Future
The modernization of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s submarine fleet, highlighted by the adoption of advanced sonar technologies like OptiArray, represents a significant leap forward in underwater surveillance. This initiative not only strengthens national defense but also showcases the Netherlands’ dedication to technological innovation and industrial collaboration.
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