Thales Australia has integrated its BlueSentry thin-line towed sonar array into the Surveyor-class uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) developed by American firm Saildrone.
During a 26-day mission off the coast of California, the USV provided continuous surveillance in high-traffic areas, effectively detecting and tracking surface vessels, submarines, and uncrewed underwater vehicles.
“Saildrone and Thales Australia are ready to deploy these systems at scale, creating a network of autonomous, self-sustaining surveillance assets to enhance national security,” Thales Australia stated.
The Systems
Saildrone’s Surveyor-class USV is a long-range autonomous system utilizing wind and solar power.
It features advanced communication technologies and high-performance sensors for continuous surveillance.
Meanwhile, Thales’ BlueSentry is a sonar payload to improve anti-submarine warfare and maritime domain awareness.
It integrates advanced acoustic sensor technology for active and passive applications and signal processing features.
Enhancing Technology for AUKUS Program
The demo, financed by the US Office of Naval Research, is part of a broader effort advancing the AUKUS program, a trilateral defense and security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US.
The project aims to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including developing new technology and enhanced interoperability among partners.
A key element of AUKUS, Pillar 1 focuses on assisting Australia in acquiring its first nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
Pillar 2 involves accelerating the development of advanced technologies to enhance cooperation among the three nations’ armed forces.
Its focus areas include autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, hypersonic missiles, and quantum technologies.
