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<\/p>\nThe Dutch MoD has commissioned Dutch Naval Design to develop 12m uncrewed surface vessels carrying Thales FLASH dipping sonar for the new ASW frigates.<\/p>\n
The Dutch Ministry of Defence, acting through the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT), has formally commissioned Dutch Naval Design (DND) to begin designing a 12-meter uncrewed surface vessel (USV) for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The uncrewed craft will be deployed from the Royal Netherlands Navy\u2019s upcoming generation of ASW frigates, significantly expanding the naval task group\u2019s reach and underwater threat detection capabilities.<\/p>\n
Concurrently, the Dutch MoD cleared the way to finalize the procurement of a modified variant of the FLASH dipping sonar from Thales Underwater Systems France, which will be integrated directly into the USV platform.<\/p>\n
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COMMIT image<\/p>\n
Prototyping and Operational Concept<\/p>\n
Development of the platform will be carried out by the \u201cUSV Alliance,\u201d an industrial consortium formed under the Dutch Naval Design framework\u2014a strategic partnership uniting the Ministry of Defence, defense industry leaders, academic institutions, and research centers.<\/p>\n
To refine the operational system before full production, the consortium will first construct a functional prototype. The prototype phase will test and optimize the vessel\u2019s hull design, autonomous navigational functions, nautical safety protocols, and complex system-of-systems integration. Data gathered during trials will directly inform the construction of the operational units.<\/p>\n
Each of the Royal Netherlands Navy\u2019s next-generation ASW frigates will carry a 12-meter USV. Operating at extended ranges from the mother ship, these uncrewed assets will serve as offboard \u201ceyes and ears,\u201d executing detection, tracking, and deterrence missions in submarine-dense marine environments.<\/p>\n
Dipping Sonar Payload<\/p>\n
Central to the USV\u2019s mission system is an adapted version of the Thales FLASH (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) dipping sonar. Traditionally deployed from naval helicopters, the Compact FLASH system will be re-engineered for uncrewed surface platform operations.<\/p>\n
By deploying active dipping sonar from an uncrewed craft rather than the frigate itself, naval forces can conduct active sonar sweeps at a stand-off distance. This approach drastically extends the fleet\u2019s acoustic search area and speeds up reaction times while keeping the host frigate from revealing its location to hostile submarines.<\/p>\n
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Based on factors of system automation and weight, concept development work led by COMMIT has focused on a compact <12 m USV design \u2013 sized to fit inside the ASWF mission bay \u2013 configured with an active dipping sonar. Designed to operate in North Atlantic conditions up to Sea State 5 (including launch and recovery), the USV concept of operations would be based on a \u2018sprint and dip\u2019 cycle, with the craft to be capable of 20 kt \u2018sprint\u2019 transits up to Sea State 5. <\/a><\/p>\n Strengthening Anti-Submarine Capability<\/p>\n Anti-submarine warfare remains a core strategic pillar for the Royal Netherlands Navy and its regional allies. The integration of high-end acoustic sensors onto medium uncrewed surface platforms represents a key technological step in distributed maritime operations, boosting the survivability, efficiency, and combat effectiveness of surface forces against modern submarine threats.<\/p>\n Following the initial design phase and prototype testing, findings will be integrated into the final design before series production for the ASW frigate program begins.<\/p>\n Check out our video on the flash dipping sonar: <\/a><\/p>\n