Enemy Subs Beware: US Navy Gets New Sonar Muscle

Thales subsidiary Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC) announced on February 29 that it had delivered the first CAPTAS-4 variable-depth sonar for the US Navy’s Constellation-class frigates ahead of schedule.

Navy’s Newest Sonar System

The unveiling of the CAPTAS-4 sonar system for the Navy’s Constellation-class frigates is a significant win for our anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.

It’s been a long time coming, but finally, we’ve got something promising to replace the problematic AN/SQS-62 program.

That system was widely considered to be more trouble than it was worth, causing headaches with integration and reliability.

Thales’ CAPTAS-4 system isn’t just some fancy new toy; it’s got a solid reputation.

Navies worldwide have been using it for its top-notch performance in ASW.

With this baby on board, our frigates will be equipped to handle even the sneakiest submarines—and trust me, and those submarines are getting sneakier by the day.

The contract, awarded to AAC by prime contractor Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) in May 2022, included the delivery of two CAPTAS-4 sonars and up to eight additional transmitter assemblies.

The fact that the first system was delivered ahead of schedule speaks volumes. It’s already primed for installation on the FFG-62, the first of our Constellation-class vessels.

And with plans to crank out more of these CAPTAS systems, it looks like we’re gearing up for some serious undersea action.

“Thales is a longstanding supplier of advanced ASW systems to the US Navy,” said Gwendoline Blandin-Roger, Vice President of Underwater Systems for Thales. “This CAPTAS-4 delivery demonstrates once again the performance and reliability of our acoustic systems, and strengthens the confidence our partners have in our teams.”

Focus on Anti-Submarine Warfare: Countering Underwater Threats

Now, let’s talk about why this matters.

Submarines used to be mostly defensive tools, but times have changed. Advancements in propulsion technology and stealth design have led to a resurgence of the submarine threat, especially with some nations pouring resources into making them quieter and deadlier.

We must stay ahead of the curve in order to counter these silent threats, which means having the best gear to detect and track these underwater threats.

But it’s not just about sonar; it’s about the bigger picture. We’re talking about developing unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) specifically for ASW.

These UUVs, also known as drone submarines, provide a cost-effective and consistent way to patrol vast expanses of ocean and gather intelligence on enemy submarines.

Furthermore, collaboration among navies to share information and develop joint tactics is critical for maintaining a competitive advantage in the undersea domain.

The CAPTAS-4 delivery is just one piece of that puzzle, but it’s an important one.

Bottom line: With systems like CAPTAS-4, we’re showing the world that we mean business when it comes to keeping our waters safe.

And believe me, in my time I’ve seen enough to know that safety doesn’t come easy—it takes grit, determination, and the right tools for the job.