Future Royal Netherlands Navy anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates will carry 12-metre uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) equipped with dipping sonar.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has given the green light for its Dutch Naval Design (DND) arm to draw up blueprints for the drone boats, which will be embarked on the RNLN’s ASW frigates.
As per a press statement last week, the design by DND — a partnership between defence, industry, academia, and research institutions — will be drawn up to accommodate ASW systems including Thales’ Compact Flash sonar.
The RNLN statement noted: “These dipping sonars increase the frigate’s field of view without revealing the ship’s location. The delivery of these sonars was also confirmed today.”
The sonar will be a modified variant of the Thales Flash (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) capability developed by Thales Underwater Systems France and more usually deployed from marinised helicopters.
The RNLN statement said the USVs would “play a major role in future anti-submarine warfare” by increasing frigates’ range and improving their responsiveness, adding: “The Royal Netherlands Navy can deploy them for tasks such as detecting and tracking enemy submarines.
“Furthermore, the Navy uses the vessels as a deterrent in areas with high submarine traffic. In this way, the USVs make a significant difference in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of operations.”
- You can read more details on the Royal Netherlands Navy website
