The UK government has confirmed that Australia will equip its Hunter-class frigates with the Thales 2087 sonar system, a move set to contribute around £45 million to the UK economy, according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Array sonar system
The Sonar 2087, manufactured in the United Kingdom by Thales Underwater Systems, is a towed array sonar system that replaces the older Sonar 2031 in the Royal Navy.
It equips several Type 23 frigates and is also set to feature on the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 frigates currently under production.
LFAS system
Thales describes the Sonar 2087 as a system that enables “frigates to hunt the latest submarines"
A low-frequency active sonar (LFAS) system, the 2087 consists of both active and passive sonar arrays.
Thales describes the Sonar 2087 as a system that enables “frigates to hunt the latest submarines at considerable distances and locate them beyond the range at which they [submarines] can launch an attack”.
Operational capabilities
The sonar has already proven its operational capabilities during major exercises like Auriga 2010, where HMS Sutherland, the first British ship equipped with the system, successfully acted as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Commander during multinational drills involving British, American, Canadian, and French naval forces.
In October 2022, the UK launched a programme named Spearhead to modernise the Sonar 2087 further. The enhancements will include new active and passive variable depth sonar capabilities to ensure continued superiority in anti-submarine warfare.
Hunter-class frigates
The decision to integrate this advanced British system into Australia’s Hunter-class frigates reflects the deepening strategic defence cooperation between the two nations.
According to a Foreign Office statement, “The UK and Australia are also developing strategic undersea warfare cooperation. Australia will equip its Hunter Class frigates with Thales’ world-leading 2087 sonar. This will see both the UK and Australia working together to develop underwater capability and share information. This will contribute around £45 million to the UK economy, supporting economic growth.”
Type 26 design
The Hunter-class frigates, based on the Type 26 design, are a cornerstone of Australia’s naval modernisation
The Hunter-class frigates, based on the Type 26 design, are a cornerstone of Australia’s naval modernisation programme.
The announcement comes alongside other initiatives revealed at the summit, including the deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group to Australia in 2025 and the creation of a new AUKUS submarine programme office in Bristol.
AUKMIN summit
The AUKMIN summit, held annually since 2006, serves as a platform for the UK and Australia to strengthen cooperation in defence, security, and foreign policy.
The summit highlighted not only the two nations’ growing alignment on military strategy but also their joint efforts to advance clean energy and regional resilience, further reinforcing their historic and strategic partnership.
