Thales and BAE Systems announced during DSEI UK 2025 a new phase in their long-standing collaboration on submarine sonar capability, marked by the signing of a MoU. In support of the MoU, BAE Systems proposes the appointment of Thales as the pan-flotilla Main Sonar Design Authority and Integrator (MSDA&I).
Thales press release
This role recognises Thales’s deep expertise and ensures that the evolution of the submarine sonar enterprise remains centred on delivering enhanced capability to the armed forces.
Building on more than two decades of close collaboration, BAE Systems and Thales have developed a streamlined delivery construct that accelerates the deployment of advanced sonar solutions. Sonar products and components will continue to be sourced from across the UK sonar enterprise on a “best athlete” basis, reinforcing the sector’s sovereign strength and industrial resilience.
“The underwater battlespace is one of the most complex and unforgiving environments in defence, where threats are often unseen but always present. By combining the complementary strengths of Thales and BAE Systems, we are bringing together world-class innovation and proven expertise to deliver cutting-edge sovereign capability for the UK to maintain decisive advantage at sea.” Paul Armstrong, Managing Director for Underwater Systems, Thales in the UK.
“BAE Systems is delighted to sign this MoU with Thales and build upon our long standing, successful and collaborative relationship working to deliver operational advantage to the Royal Navy. This MoU unlocks the opportunity to further improve how we work together across all of our submarine programmes and provides a clear and joint focus in delivering the UK sovereign sonar capability of the future. This collaborative relationship will continue to ensure that we deliver world leading technologies and capabilities to the Royal Navy.” Henry Parker, BAE Systems Integrated Combat Systems Programme Director.
Across the combined underwater warfare systems enterprise, BAE Systems and Thales employ around 500 people in the UK. With the advent of the Royal Navy’s next-generation attack submarines that number is set to grow beyond 660, underlining the critical importance of our contribution to the UK’s future submarine programme.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks a milestone in the UK’s submarine sonar enterprise, ensuring cutting-edge technology, sovereign capability, and operational advantage for the Royal Navy well into the future.
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Naval News video: Ian McFarlane, sales director, underwater systems at Thales UK, discusses the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between Thales and BAE Systems relating to the sonar suite of the future SSN AUKUS (SSN-A) for the UK Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.
