Thales Partners with Lockheed Martin to Equip U.S. and Allied Navies with Cutting-Edge Airborne Anti-Submarine Sonars

Thales has finalized an agreement with Lockheed Martin as a primary supplier for the provision of up to 55 airborne anti-submarine warfare sonar systems. The ALFS (Airborne Low Frequency Sonar)* dipping sonar units will be integrated into the MH-60R platform for the U.S. Navy as well as three additional naval forces. The initial 42 systems are set to be delivered within the next five years, while the supply of 13 optional units will take place in the sixth year.

Thales has supplied over 300 ALFS sonars to the U.S. Navy since the early 2000s. This new agreement with Lockheed Martin is aimed at bolstering the Navy’s operational readiness strategy. The navies of India, Denmark, and Greece are expected to receive their initial shipments of the ALFS sonar system via direct U.S. Foreign Military Sales related to the MH-60R platform.

To maintain authority over their maritime domains and safeguard global security interests, naval forces require dependable, high-efficiency systems to execute missions effectively. These include anti-submarine warfare, maritime search and rescue, maritime defense, and the protection of deployed naval fleets.

Providing unmatched security to maritime convoys, the ALFS anti-submarine warfare system excels in detecting, classifying, prosecuting, harassing, or engaging submarines, establishing Thales as a standard for the world’s leading navies. Besides the U.S. Navy, other countries that have opted for Thales dipping sonar solutions include Australia, France, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, South Korea, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

As a low-frequency active sonar system, ALFS is crafted for the early detection and monitoring of hostile submarines. It delivers a long detection range, broad coverage, and minimal false alarm rates in both deep and coastal waters. It can function autonomously to clear designated areas or serve as a supplementary anti-submarine warfare resource alongside sonars mounted on surface vessels for target localization and engagement.

“Gaining the confidence of the U.S. Navy and its global allies and partners is a significant source of pride for our team. This contract strengthens our role as a strategic supplier to Lockheed Martin and further cements the Group’s status as a global leader in anti-submarine warfare systems. We will keep enhancing the performance and competitiveness of our airborne sonars to address the emerging anti-submarine warfare operational challenges faced by our customers.” Alexis Morel, VP Underwater Systems, Thales.