Leading underwater detection for surface ships

High-performance sonar technology for surface ships, even in the most challenging conditions

Defence
Naval
Anti submarine warfare

Acoustic detection is key for surface ships. Advanced hull-mounted (HMS) and variable-depth sonar (VDS) systems provide effective 360° underwater threat detection and enhanced protection against submarines.

OUR STRENGTHS

Comprehensive Coverage

In today’s ASW, navies need continuous 360° coverage in the whole water column. Our CAPTAS family VDS ensure long-range detection while our Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS) catalogue delivers constant close-range vigilance, especially for torpedoes in shallow waters. Together, they eliminate blind spots and address all types of threat profile.
Technological excellence

Navies face growing threats from silent submarines, torpedoes, and Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (XLUUV), often in challenging seas. Our VDS and HMS systems combine advanced sensors and signal processing for internationally recognised performance.
Multi-Platform Synergy

Integration of our BlueScan solution into all Thales sonars creates an acoustic network that is both multi-sonar and multi-platform. This gives a comprehensive picture of the underwater operational theatre through the integrated processing of all collaborative ASW assets at sea.

Mastering the challenges of underwater detection

Amid evolving challenges, our experts draw on decades of experience to develop relevant solutions for navies. Our broad catalogue of HMS and VDS can be tailored to any platform, and together offer unrivalled performance that supports sovereign superiority. Combined with BlueScan, our advanced software, they provide a full underwater picture, enabling faster decisions and boosting mission efficiency.

French FDI Amiral Ronarch - Naval Group © Naval Group

We help navies protect strategic areas. Our CAPTAS VDS systems provide advanced, long-range detection of submarines and torpedoes. Our HMS systems (BlueMaster, BlueHunter, BlueWatcher) offer adaptable performance, size, and weight for every ship, ensuring continuous surveillance. Combined, these can detect the stealthiest targets for strategic sea control.

OUR CAPABILITIES IN ACOUSTIC DETECTION FOR SURFACE SHIPS

By seamlessly integrating our VDS and HMS, we meet navies’ need for full-spectrum awareness across the entire water column. VDS delivers long-range detection in deeper layers, while HMS provides close-range coverage, even in shallow waters with strong acoustic reverberation. Together they deliver unmatched situational awareness, helping crews respond earlier and more effectively to evolving underwater threats.

To ensure operational readiness, navies need sonar that performs reliably even in rough waters. Our CAPTAS family VDS deliver high performance up to Sea State 6, while our HMS range remains fully functional in all conditions. Together they support sovereignty-focused missions – ensuring accurate detection, despite shifting thermal layers, and eliminating temporary gaps that harsh weather conditions can cause.

To counter evolving underwater threats, navies need rapid, precise detection and assessment. Thales CAPTAS sonars and HMS deliver high-resolution acoustic data on submarines, torpedoes, or XLUUVs. Coupled with advanced signal processing and AI-enabled analysis, navies can distinguish and prioritise multiple contacts – tailoring responses that increase both mission efficiency and effectiveness.

Working closely with the French Navy and the UK’s Royal Navy, we follow a structured roadmap of continuous improvement and innovation. This ensures our systems remain at the forefront of technology, integrating advanced collaborative anti-submarine warfare features. We deliver optimal effectiveness for operations that combine manned and unmanned systems, ensuring navies are equipped for new challenges.

In today’s ASW, navies must be mission ready. By rationalising system building blocks, we enable cost-effective readiness. Our solutions share common elements, such as transmitter processor racks, identical processing software for all CAPTAS variants, and shared interface software for VDS and HMS. In addition, this simplifies maintenance, accelerates the integration of upgrades, and enhances platform interoperability.

KEY FIGURES

100+

CAPTAS ordered

250

HMS ordered

60+

Years of experience

Equipping navies with CAPTAS VDS: dominating the full spectrum of ASW operations

Anti-submarine warfare is more complex than ever, with an increasing number of submarines and their enhanced stealth capabilities. VDS becomes essential to operational superiority.

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