Compact AI-enabled sonar for distributed naval operations
Thales presents Sonar 76Nano as a modular underwater sensing system aligned with UK and NATO maritime defence requirements.
www.thalesgroup.com
Thales has introduced Sonar 76Nano, a miniaturised acoustic detection system designed to extend submarine detection, seabed monitoring, and underwater data exchange across crewed and uncrewed naval platforms.
Context and operational drivers
Naval forces are increasingly adopting distributed and hybrid fleet concepts that combine crewed vessels, uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs), and fixed seabed systems. These architectures require compact, interoperable sonar solutions capable of operating beyond large, high-value platforms.
Sonar 76Nano has been developed to support this shift, aligning with UK defence priorities focused on maritime security, resilience of the North Atlantic operating environment, and the expansion of deployable sensing across multiple platform types.
System concept and development approach
Sonar 76Nano was developed from concept to prototype within ten months, reflecting an accelerated development cycle intended to shorten the transition from research to operational evaluation. The system builds on acoustic processing principles derived from the Sonar 2076 family, adapting them to a significantly reduced form factor suitable for modular deployment.
The design emphasizes scalability and rapid integration, enabling the same core sensing capability to be deployed on different platforms with minimal system reconfiguration.
Capabilities beyond submarine detection
While submarine detection remains a primary role, Sonar 76Nano is designed to support a broader set of underwater tasks. These include seabed mapping, acoustic threat data collection, and the gathering of operational environmental data. The system also supports underwater acoustic messaging, enabling communication with a reduced probability of detection compared with higher-power transmissions.
Such multifunctionality allows a single sensor payload to support surveillance, intelligence gathering, and situational awareness missions within constrained size, weight, and power envelopes.
AI-supported acoustic processing and interoperability
Artificial intelligence techniques are integrated into the acoustic processing chain to accelerate target detection and classification. By automating elements of signal interpretation, the system is intended to reduce operator workload and improve responsiveness in complex acoustic environments.
Sonar 76Nano is designed as a digital-native system, allowing integration with existing naval combat systems and data architectures. This approach supports interoperability across UK and NATO forces, particularly in mixed fleets combining legacy platforms and newer uncrewed assets.
Platform flexibility and deployment models
The compact and modular architecture of Sonar 76Nano enables deployment on a wider range of platforms than traditional hull-mounted sonars. These include UUVs, seabed monitoring installations, and potentially surface or subsurface platforms operating as part of a distributed sensor network.
This flexibility supports concepts such as persistent monitoring and layered sensing, where multiple low-signature systems contribute to a shared operational picture.
Industrial and programme relevance
Beyond operational capability, Sonar 76Nano contributes to UK industrial capacity in underwater systems by leveraging domestic expertise in sonar design, digital processing, and systems integration. The programme is positioned to support future export opportunities while maintaining alignment with national supply chain and skills objectives.
Demonstration and next steps
The prototype is scheduled for a public demonstration with the Royal Navy on 17 December 2025, allowing naval specialists to evaluate its technical characteristics and potential applications. This demonstration represents an initial step toward assessing how compact, AI-enabled sonar systems can complement existing underwater warfare capabilities.
Sonar 76Nano illustrates how miniaturisation, digital processing, and modular design can extend underwater sensing into new operational domains, supporting the evolving requirements of modern naval forces.
www.thalesgroup.com
