Ireland selects Thales for towed-array sonar capability
Irish Naval Service Samuel Beckett-class OPV LÉ George Bernard Shaw . Photographed in London by Neil Dee (in a personal capacity, not at a show) on Saturday, 20 May 2023. (Janes/Neil Dee)
The Irish Department of Defence (DoD) has announced a “multimillion-euro” contract with Thales for the provision of a towed-array sonar (TAS) capability.
In a press release on 15 June, the DoD said the sonar will be used by Irish Naval Service (INS) vessels “to monitor activities in the Irish exclusive economic zone and, in particular, in the vicinity of subsea communication cables or gas pipelines”. The sonar is expected to enter operational use by 2027.
In response to questions by Janes , the DoD declined to provide details on the sonar model, the number being acquired, and for what ships, citing security and operational concerns. However, the sonar has been reported in Irish media as one of the CAPTAS family of variable depth sonars (VDSs). The Irish Times has also reported the contract's value as EUR60 million (USD69.2 million).
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
