Each of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates will be equipped with a 12-metre-long uncrewed surface vessel (USV). A so-called FLASH dipping sonar from Thales, which is yet to be adapted, will be installed on this USV. The Ministry of Defence today gave the go-ahead for Dutch Naval Design (DND) to commence the design work and, at the same time, to finalise the procurement of the FLASH dipping sonar. DND is a partnership between the Ministry of Defence, industry, academia and research institutions. A number of parties within Dutch Naval Design had submitted a proposal under the name USV Alliance. These companies and research institutions have different profiles in terms of size, technical focus and background. Together, they possess the skills, knowledge and expertise relevant to this project.
Thales’s FLASH dipping-sonar family meets navies’ needs across the full water column, in littoral or deep waters. Its low frequency operation enables long range detection, and its large frequency bandwidth excels at filtering out clutter from echoes. First deployed in 2002, more than 500 FLASH systems are now in operation or or on order by 18 navies worldwide. FLASH is the international benchmark in dipping sonar, certified on 6 helicopter platforms. It offers a mature solution that enhances the scope and effectiveness of navies’ missions. Compatible frequencies and software make FLASH interoperable, at both tactical and mission levels, with the CAPTAS variable depth sonar and the SonoFlash sonobuoy. Data formats are compatible to allow easy data sharing with other platforms. This enhances situational awareness and enables faster decision-making.
When designing the new 12-metre-long uncrewed vessels, the builders must take the integration of various new systems into account from the outset. One example is the Compact Flash sonar from Thales Underwater Systems France. These dipping sonars extend the frigate’s field of view without revealing the vessel’s location. Uncrewed surface vessels are set to play a major role in future anti-submarine warfare. The Royal Netherlands Navy can deploy them for tasks such as detecting and tracking enemy submarines. The navy also uses the vessels as a deterrent in areas where there is a high concentration of submarines. In this way, the USVs make a significant difference in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of operations. With uncrewed vessels, the new ASW frigates extend their range and improve their responsiveness. This strengthens the operational capability of the maritime forces.
Thales S.A., trading as Thales Group is a French multinational aerospace and defence corporation specialising in electronics. It designs, develops and manufactures a wide variety of aerospace and military systems, devices and equipment but also operates in the cybersecurity and formerly civil ground transportation sectors. Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion. The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies. Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.
