On Monday, April 8th, Saildrone announced a strategic partnership that promises to revolutionize anti-submarine warfare (ASW) for the US Navy.

The world of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) is on the cusp of a revolution.

Saildrone, a leading developer of uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), and Thales Australia, a renowned producer of underwater sensor technology, have joined forces to create a game-changing solution: a long-range, autonomous system for detecting and tracking enemy submarines in the vast expanse of the open ocean.

This groundbreaking partnership hinges on the integration of Thales Australia’s BlueSentry towed array sonar with Saildrone’s highly capable Surveyor-class USVs.

The BlueSentry, a sophisticated sonar system towed behind the USV, acts as an underwater ear, meticulously collecting intelligence on submerged vessels.

Meanwhile, the Saildrone Surveyor, a 20-meter long (65.6 feet), 15-ton autonomous workhorse, boasts exceptional endurance, allowing it to undertake extended missions without the need for a crew.

Saildrone
The SD-3000, the first aluminum Surveyor USV built for long-distance mapping and maritime domain awareness, sets sail from Austal USA’s Alabama facility. (Image source: Saildrone)

Transforming Naval Operations

This innovative technology promises to significantly reshape naval operations in the following ways: