CAPTAS, the unrivalled performance Variable Depth Sonar

Dominating the Full Spectrum of Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations and Missions

  • Defence
  • Naval
  • Anti submarine warfare

Navies globally perform diverse missions, from maritime security to Force projection. The CAPTAS product range offers solutions for all Anti-Submarine Warfare missions and ship sizes.

STRENGTHS OF THE CAPTAS RANGE

  1. Unmatched Performance

    CAPTAS provides 360° active & passive long-range surveillance, excelling in ultra-long-range detection in high-intensity zones like the North Atlantic & Mediterranean. It sets a new benchmark in acoustic tech, effective against stealth submarines & in shallow waters.

  2. Operational Flexibility

    Designed for diverse platforms, CAPTAS offers tailored versions for corvettes, frigates, non-specialized vessels, and unmanned surface vehicles (USV). Its containerized mission module allows for quick deployment, ensuring adaptability in various maritime operations.

  3. Interoperable and Multistatic

    Seamless integration with other Thales systems, including Hull-Mounted Sonars, FLASH dipping sonar and SonoFlash sonobuoy, enables collaborative NATO combat operations. Thanks to its modular and cybersecure architecture, the system adapts to evolving maritime environments.

  4. Proven, yet Evolving

    Thales brings +60 years of expertise in Variable Depth Sonar (VDS), with a commitment to ongoing research and development. By integrating AI and advanced analytics, CAPTAS enhances Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI), ensuring effective responses to contemporary naval challenges.

  5. Comprehensive Support

    Thales is committed to extensive training, proactive maintenance, and in-service support for sustained operational readiness. Intuitive interfaces and automation reduce operator workload, ensuring high readiness and mission success throughout the system’s lifecycle.

  6. Industry Benchmark

    Thales’ CAPTAS system is trusted by 18 navies with 100+ units ordered or in service. FREMM frigates equipped with CAPTAS won the US Navy's Hook’em Award three years running. Used by France, Italy, the UK, the US, and more, CAPTAS leads in maritime technology.

CAPTAS, Combined Active Passive Towed Array Sonar

CAPTAS is the world’s leading low-frequency active/passive variable depth sonar (VDS), proven over 40 years to detect, locate, and classify stealthy submarines in any environmental condition. As pioneers in the field, CAPTAS solutions have set the standard for operational superiority and remain the undisputed market leaders in Anti-Submarine Warfare.

© Adrien Daste - Thales

In the vast and unpredictable depths of the ocean, where stealth and precision define dominance, CAPTAS stands as the guardian of naval superiority, trusted for over 40 years to detect and classify submarines in any condition. Offering ultra-long-range 360° surveillance and permanent torpedo alerts, CAPTAS enables unmatched anti-submarine warfare superiority.

CAPABILITIES OF CAPTAS VARIABLE DEPTH SONAR

CAPTAS features long-range acoustic detection capabilities, reaching distances of up to 60 km and beyond, allowing naval forces to identify submarines before they can launch torpedoes or enter sensitive maritime areas. Early detection enhances maritime security, enabling navies to respond effectively to potential threats in diverse operational environments, both in deep and shallow waters.

© Jean Philippe Longuet / Thales

HIGHLIGHT ABOUT CAPTAS FAMILY

Equipping navies with CAPTAS Variable-Depth Sonars: dominating the full spectrum of Anti-Submarine Warfare operations and missions

Anti-submarine warfare is more complex than ever, with an increasing number of submarines and their enhanced stealth capabilities. Variable-depth sonar becomes essential for early detection, allowing navies to respond swiftly to these underwater threats and maintain operational superiority.

  • Defence

CAPTAS-4, the Cutting-Edge Variable-Depth Sonar: Giving Navies the Unmatched Advantage in Anti-Submarine Warfare

Insight
  • Defence

Advanced Depth Detection: enhancing Anti-Submarine Warfare with Compact, Cost-Effective, High-Performance Captas-2

Insight
  • Defence

CAPTAS-1: Revolutionising Anti-Submarine Warfare with Small Vessels for Modern Collaborative Defence

Insight

KEY FIGURES

100+
CAPTAS ordered or in service
18
Navies operating our CAPTAS solution
360°
Active and passive long-range surveillance
29
Types of platforms equipped

OUR MAIN SOLUTIONS IN ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE

SonoFlash: a breakthrough Sonobuoy

A powerful, lightweight buoy that delivers operational superiority

  • Anti submarine warfare
  • Defence
  • Naval

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Mastering the underwater situations for acoustic & tactical advantage

  • Anti submarine warfare
  • Naval
  • Defence

Mastering Underwater detection challenges

Thales offers a full range of tailored solutions to meet navies’ needs, today and tomorrow

  • Defence
  • Mine warfare
  • Anti submarine warfare

Contact us for more information about our solutions