Thales to Update Sonar Systems on Australian Collins-Class Submarines

Thales has received a design and pre-production contract to update sonar systems in six of Australia’s Collins-class submarines in an effort to boost underwater threat detection efforts for the country’s navy.

The company said Tuesday it will install its new Modular Cylindrical Array, flank array and on-board processing technology in the submarines as part of the country’s sonar and wider Collins-class modernization effort.

Chris Jenkins, CEO of Thales’ Australian operations, said the Thales-designed Collins-class sonars will work to advance the sensing functions of the submarines.

Thales has partnered with local Australian companies, such as Atlas Elektronik‘s Sonartech Atlas subsidiary and L-3 Communications‘ Oceania subsidiary to provide the services under the contract.

Work will be conducted at Thales underwater systems facility in Rydalmere, Western Sydney.