Kongsberg Discovery has announced its acquiring Sonatech, a firm specialising in underwater acoustics, as it seeks to make further strides into securing contracts from the U.S. Navy.
The Norwegian multinational defence and technology group Kongsberg’s ocean-centric arm expects its acquisition “to support Kongsberg Discovery’s growth ambitions and enhance access to the U.S. Navy for the company’s product portfolio,” according to a recent press statement.
The deal to purchase Sonatech — a leading undersea acoustics engineering and manufacturing firm established for 50 years and already supporting U.S. Navy projects — is expected to be completed later this year, subject to regulatory approvals.
Sonatech currently provides sonar design, development and manufacturing solutions to nearly every class of U.S. Navy underwater systems. It is based in Santa Barbara, California, where it employs more than 110 people. Last year, it reported revenues of circa $33m, according to the Kongsberg Discovery statement.
In February 2024 Kongsberg Discovery won a contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to deliver its HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) — its Endurance and Superior platforms — to assist in the U.S. Navy’s Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LDUUV) prototype.
The biggest platform, HUGIN Endurance is about 11 metres long, can dive to 6,000 metres, has modular payload bays for a variety of sensors or effectors, and boasts a 15-day endurance with 1,200 nm range.
Kongsberg Discovery President Martin Wien Fjell claimed the acquisition would afford the new parent company better market access and enhanced opportunities for growth in the American market.
He commented: “Sonatech has a strong and solid relationship with the U.S. Navy. With our combined technology portfolio and expertise, we will broaden the systems and products available… Acquiring Sonatech will provide Kongsberg Discovery with a platform to leverage its technology into new markets.”
And President of Sonatech, Mark Shaw added: “We are thrilled to become a part of the Kongsberg Discovery family. Together we are set to expand further and capture opportunities beyond what each of us could do alone.”
- You can read more details on the Kongsberg Discovery website
