ELAC Sonar, a German subsidiary of UK-based Cohort, has been awarded a 60-month succeeding contract worth EUR 16 million by Italy’s Leonardo for the supply of a further sonar system for an additional unit in Italy’s new-build U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) programme, the company announced on 22 December 2023.
The U212 NFS programme is an innovative submarine project undertaken by the Italian Navy under the framework of a contract managed by the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). The programme, which covers the development, production and in-service support for four new submarines (three plus one as an option) for the Italian Navy, passed its critical design review in February 2023.
“It is with great honour and pleasure that ELAC SONAR announces that, with the release of the option for Boat number 3, the NFS programme is continuing its path,” ELAC SONAR stated in a press release. The company said that its Sphere-based Kaleidoscope 2.0 integrated sonar suite “will generate, transmit and process big sonar data from all existing user functions and electro-acoustic sensors”.
The Sphere sonar suite provides a comprehensive range of sonar functions, including communication, surveying, mine and obstacle avoidance, passive detection and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) solutions.
“Our digitally advanced technology for the passive sonar systems significantly improves detection performances and allows multi-functional operator stations to perform various sonar applications on board the submarines,” the company stated.
ELAC Sonar managing director Bernd Szukay and financial director Ole Schneider were quoted by the company as jointly stating, “This contract is another significant win for ELAC Sonar and takes us forward [to] the next step on our growth and technological development path.”
