Thales Enhances French Navy's Anti-Submarine Warfare with Advanced SonoFlash Sonobuoys

Thales has entered into a contract with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to supply the French Navy with several hundred SonoFlash sonobuoys, significantly bolstering France's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.

Innovative Dual-Mode Functionality

The SonoFlash sonobuoy stands out as the only model offering both active and passive modes. It is equipped with a powerful low-frequency emitter and a high-directivity receiver, enabling it to detect submarines over extended ranges. This dual functionality allows for comprehensive monitoring of underwater environments, enhancing the effectiveness of ASW operations.

Integration with Existing Systems

When combined with the FLASH dipping sonar, the SonoFlash sonobuoys enable airborne platforms to search for submarines over greater distances and respond more effectively to evasive maneuvers. This integration enhances the overall ASW strategy, providing a more responsive and adaptable approach to submarine detection.

Advanced Communication Capabilities

The high-performance communication systems of the SonoFlash allow data collected by the buoy to be transmitted to all surface ships and aircraft, as well as acoustic support centers equipped with a sonobuoy processing system. This ensures that critical information is shared across platforms, facilitating coordinated and informed decision-making during ASW missions.

Domestic Production and Strategic Sovereignty

Manufactured in France in collaboration with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the SonoFlash sonobuoy strengthens France's strategic and capability ambitions in the field of anti-submarine warfare. This domestic production not only supports the national economy but also ensures that France maintains sovereign control over this critical defense technology.

Commitment to Excellence

Sébastien Guérémy, Vice President of Underwater Systems activities at Thales, stated, "Through its SonoFlash sonobuoy and the CAPTAS and FLASH sonars, Thales is proud to contribute to the development of the French anti-submarine warfare sector. The excellence of Thales's solutions in this field is recognized worldwide and is being put to the service of the French Navy in a context of renewed tensions at sea."

Development Timeline

In March 2021, the DGA awarded Thales a contract to develop, qualify, and manufacture the SonoFlash air-droppable sonobuoy. This initiative underscores France's commitment to advancing its ASW capabilities and maintaining a strategic edge in underwater defense technology.

The deployment of SonoFlash sonobuoys represents a significant advancement in the French Navy's ASW operations, providing enhanced detection capabilities, improved integration with existing systems, and reinforcing France's strategic autonomy in defense technology.