Thales Australia has formed a strategic partnership with Saildrone to integrate a towed array sonar system onto its unmanned surface vehicle (USV) Surveyor. This combination of technologies promises to provide navies with the ability to silently detect underwater threats. The partnership follows successful trials with Saildrone’s Surveyor USV, funded by the US Office of Naval Research and equipped with Thales’ BlueSentry sensor suite.
High Success Rate and Long Term Work
In trials conducted off the coast of California, Saildrone demonstrated that the system successfully detected and classified underwater and surface threats. The system had an average uptime of over 96%. Uptime refers to the percentage of time the system is available and can continuously perform its intended tasks. Saildrone’s press release explained that under wind propulsion, Surveyor operates at near-zero noise levels, greatly improving the detection capabilities of the BlueSentry sonar system.
Advanced Detection Capabilities with BlueSentry Sonar System
The BlueSentry sensor suite developed by Thales has been integrated with the Surveyor’s sonar system, significantly strengthening its underwater detection capabilities. This system can be used as an effective defense tool, especially against submarines and underwater threats. The system works with extreme precision to detect submarine targets, while also being able to detect threats on the ocean surface. “The trials have shown that the Surveyor provides a zero-noise environment and greatly increases the detection capabilities of the sonar system,” Saildrone said in a press release.
Autonomous Operation and Cost Reduction Potential
The combined technology from Saildrone and Thales aims to enable unmanned surface vehicles to autonomously patrol large ocean areas for long durations. This fleet of USVs is designed to perform underwater detection missions at lower cost and for longer durations. This technology has the potential to revolutionise maritime security by offering lower costs and fewer manning requirements compared to traditional ships and submarines.
Contribution to AUKUS Partnership
Thales and Saildrone said the collaboration will enable greater maritime interoperability between the AUKUS countries – Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States – and fulfill the technology-focused Pillar 2 of their security partnership. The trilateral partnership aims to equip their respective militaries with advanced and interoperable capabilities by leveraging their shared industrial and innovation bases. This development is seen as an important step in strengthening AUKUS’ security strategies and military cooperation in the region.
Satellite Connections and New Communication Options
During trials, Saildrone’s systems worked with Starlink and Iridium satellite communications. However, Saildrone recently announced a GPS-free option that does not require satellite connectivity. This could allow for more flexible and autonomous operations, offering greater security and stealth in future military missions.
The New Technological Era Begins
The partnership between Thales Australia and Saildrone is a significant technological development that quietly increases the ability to detect underwater and surface threats. With long-endurance autonomous patrols and advanced sonar detection capabilities, this technology has the potential to revolutionise maritime security. It will also strengthen cooperation between AUKUS partners and contribute to security strategies in the region.
