Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force relies on Thales and MHI to equip itself with the latest generation of high-resolution synthetic aperture sonar that provides a high level of classification. The choice of Thales technologies, which have been extensively proven in service with navies around the world, provides the highest levels of protection available today.
Thales press release
In a changing international context, countries are strengthening the protection of their maritime approaches. At the same time, it is essential to limit human exposure to mines. With 50 years of expertise serving navies around the world, Thales develops technologies that enable the transition from conventional solutions, such as minehunters, to UAV-based solutions (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).
Through this agreement, HFSAS will be deployed in MHI’s OZZ-5 UUV. With the combination of the Thales HFSAS with Japanese LFSAS (Low Frequency Synthetic Aperture Sonar) technology, the sonars will allow operators to detect suspected mines regardless of the varied or unvaried condition, accommodating today’s increasing demand for MMCM (Maritime Mine Counter Measures). Thales HFSAS provides AuDC (Automatic Detection and Classification) function, which relieves operators’ load to process the collected data.
This contract agreement is the starting point of a long-term program with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as end-user and potentially opens the door to export markets. The continuous and successful collaboration between Thales and MHI in Japan has been, once again, strengthened by the order of SAMDIS HFSAS to equip MHI’s OZZ-5 UUV. Working together with Thales, MHI is aiming to enter new markets in Japan’s allies by offering high-end technology to the most powerful navies. Thales’ anti-submarine warfare and maritime safety & security systems are currently in service with more than 50 navies.
“Equipping the OZZ-5 underwater vehicle with our high frequency sonar evidences our strong relationship with MHI which started years ago with the development of the OZZ-X prototype. It materializes the continuation of the ongoing Japan/ France bilateral long-term cooperation. Thales is really enthusiastic to bring its field proven expertise for the benefit of national and foreign defense forces through this successful alliance with MHI.”
Cyrille Dupont, President and CEO of Thales Japan
“We are very proud to be onboard the OZZ-5 mine warfare UUV with Thales SAMDIS HFSAS and to contribute to the OZZ-5 outstanding operational performances and unique positioning on this highly competitive market segment. This contract demonstrates Thales’ capability to tailor its offerings to any type of vehicle and navy requirement and will pave the way for future achievements with our MHI partner.”
Alexis Morel, VP Underwater activities, Thales
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Naval News comments:
About OZZ-5:
Designed by MHI, the OZZ-5 is an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) for mine countermeasures missions. According to the Japanese MoD, OZZ-5 has a length of 4 meters, a width of 0.5 meters, an endurance in excess of 9 hours and a speed up to 7 knots. Its X-rudders placed both forward and aft provides the OZZ-5 with very good maneuverability, even at low speed. OZZ-5 will be deployed from the new 30FFM frigate acting as a mothership for the UUV.
We covered the OZZ-5 during the MAST Asia 2019 in Tokyo, with a representative of ATLA:
About SAMDIS:
SAMDIS, is Thales’ latest-generation high-resolution synthetic aperture sonar. With its multi-aspect functionality, the SAMDIS sonar views targets from three different angles. According to the French defense company, only Thales’s multi-aspect technology is capable of delivering high detection and classification performance against modern mines. The technology was successfully evaluated by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) in 2016. Thales is already using multi-aspect technology on the French-UK maritime mine countermeasures program (MMCM). This contract was awarded in 2015 to meet specific requirements set out by France and the United Kingdom. SAMDIS technology has also been selected for two export program in Asia.
We also covered the SAMDIS at Mast Asia 2019 with François Merlo and Lionel Collot from Thales:
