Thales, a multinational aerospace and defense company based in France, has signed an agreement with Naval Group to supply a comprehensive sonar suite for installation on the Royal Netherlands Navy’s upcoming Orka-class submarines.
The sonar suite will feature several high-performance acoustic sensors, including an intercept array, an underwater voice communication system, and bow, flank and obstacle-avoidance sonars. Thales said that with modern sonar capability, the Dutch Navy will gain a comprehensive view of the underwater acoustic environment to ensure operational advantage.
According to Sebastien Gueremy, vice president of Underwater Systems at Thales, the contract with Naval Group is a testament to his company’s continued support of allied countries’ efforts to modernize their defense capabilities.
“We are proud that Thales’s advanced sonar suite has been selected to equip the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Orka-class submarines. This partnership will enhance the technological superiority of the Dutch armed forces.”
In October 2024, Naval Group secured a contract under the Orka-class project to bild four new submarines, to be named HNLMS Orka, HNLMS Zwaardvis, HNLMS Barracuda and HNLMS Tijgerhaai.
The Orka-class program, part of the Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability initiative, aims to produce underwater vessels that would eventually replace the nation’s current Walrus-class vessels. The Dutch Ministry of Defense shared that the replacements will feature a new design and come with a cruise missile launch capability and a larger energy capacity, among other significant upgrades.