Thales and BAE Systems announce new phase of collaboration to deliver next-generation submarine sonar capability for the UK

DSEI, London, 11 September 2025: BAE Systems and Thales today announced a new phase in their long-standing collaboration on submarine sonar capability, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

In support of the MoU, BAE Systems proposes the appointment of Thales as the pan-flotilla Main Sonar Design Authority and Integrator (MSDA&I). ​

This role recognises Thales’s deep expertise and ensures that the evolution of the submarine sonar enterprise remains centred on delivering enhanced capability to the armed forces.

Building on more than two decades of close collaboration, BAE Systems and Thales have developed a streamlined delivery construct that accelerates the deployment of advanced sonar solutions. Sonar products and components will continue to be sourced from across the UK sonar enterprise on a “best athlete” basis, reinforcing the sector’s sovereign strength and industrial resilience.

“The underwater battlespace is one of the most complex and unforgiving environments in defence, where threats are often unseen but always present. By combining the complementary strengths of Thales and BAE Systems, we are bringing together world-class innovation and proven expertise to deliver cutting-edge sovereign capability for the UK to maintain decisive advantage at sea.” Paul Armstrong, Managing Director for Underwater Systems, Thales in the UK.

"BAE Systems is delighted to sign this MoU with Thales and build upon our long standing, successful and collaborative relationship working to deliver operational advantage to the Royal Navy. This MoU unlocks the opportunity to further improve how we work together across all of our submarine programmes and provides a clear and joint focus in delivering the UK sovereign sonar capability of the future. This collaborative relationship will continue to ensure that we deliver world leading technologies and capabilities to the Royal Navy." Henry Parker, BAE Systems Integrated Combat Systems Programme Director.

Across the combined underwater warfare systems enterprise, BAE Systems and Thales employ around 500 people in the UK. With the advent of the Royal Navy’s next-generation attack submarines that number is set to grow beyond 660, underlining the critical importance of our contribution to the UK’s future submarine programme.

Thales provides anti-submarine warfare sonar solutions to surface platforms, through its Sonar 2087, supporting a further 200 highly skilled staff. With new opportunities emerging internationally, this remains a significant area of growth for Thales’s business.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks a milestone in the UK’s submarine sonar enterprise, ensuring cutting-edge technology, sovereign capability, and operational advantage for the Royal Navy well into the future.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

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