Unmanned anti-submarine warfare, a new paradigm

Underwater detection solutions that deliver mission efficiency and enable disruptive operational concepts

Drone warfare
Defence
Naval

Underwater, at sea and in the air, we engineer fully integrated ‘systems of systems’ whose agile and scalable designs are driving the future of uncrewed anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

OUR STRENGTHS FOR UNMANNED ASW

Exceptional detection performance

With over 60 years of expertise, our industry-benchmark sonar systems and ASW mission management systems (MMS) ensure operational superiority for navies worldwide.
End-to-end systems

Our modular solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with uncrewed platforms of any type or origin. As operational needs change, our solutions can be scaled to new configurations and performance levels which enable navies to choose from a broad range of vehicles and components.
Demonstrated solutions

Thales regularly demonstrates the performance of its solutions integrated into uncrewed platforms/drones, including during exercises organized by NATO. Some Thales solutions are currently in production for rapid deployment on operational drones.

Integrated ‘systems of systems’ across all domains

It is essential for navies to be able to meet the threat of modern submarines. Thales delivers world-leading solutions that combine high-performance sensors, uncrewed assets, AI-based processing, and comprehensive mission management. Thanks to their modular design, our uncrewed ASW solutions are easy to integrate, offering navies scalable systems to enhance the tactical picture and maintain operational superiority.

As submarine threats evolve, navies are exploring new ASW options, particularly unmanned systems. Thales supports these efforts with a range of solutions, from cost-effective stand-alone systems to fully integrated systems of systems connecting uncrewed underwater, surface, and aerial platforms. Using advanced technologies and automation, we deliver greater operational efficiency and effectiveness.

OUR CAPABILITIES IN UNCREWED ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE

Uncrewed assets are ideally suited for persistent surveillance missions in both shallow and deep waters. Rapidly deployable, they ensure underwater protection of high-value units and help deter potential enemy action. This allows more capable platforms to concentrate on demanding ASW tasks such as target prosecution.

Uncrewed ASW systems can be reconfigured at speed. Navies can scale assets up or down, substitute vehicles, reconfigure sensors or shift mission emphasis as needed. The M-Cube MMS synchronises these adjustments in real time. This agility boosts operational tempo and addresses emerging tactical or logistical needs.

Unmanned ASW systems must be flexible in order to accommodate new assets at any time. Thales’s M-Cube MMS uses open, modular architecture that is fully compliant with NATO standards. Its software backbone enables seamless interoperability across all mission components, including unmanned vehicles, sensors, and payloads – ensuring coordinated, integrated operations.

Our unmanned ASW systems are highly cyber-resilient, making extensive use of encrypted communications, anomaly detection, and robust mission management. This is critical in building navies’ confidence in unmanned operations, where command link integrity must protect autonomous vehicle operation and secure the large volumes of acoustic data being transmitted between assets and a remote operations centre.

Infography Bluescan © Thales - Temps Présent

USE CASES

Thales revolutionises the underwater battlespace with new Sonar 76Nano

This new sonar delivers AI-powered submarine detection, seabed mapping, and seamless drone integration for the UK and allies.

Demonstrating sensors, solutions and systems at REPMUS 2025

Thales took part in the REPMUS 2025 exercise to demonstrate the capabilities of (future) naval solutions for, among other things, underwater security.

Thales and Saildrone announce successful integration of BlueSentry® and Saildrone’s uncrewed systems

Thales Australia's BlueSentry sonar was integrated into Saildrone's USV, excelling in real-time vessel tracking during a 26-day trial, boosting AUKUS security efforts.