Lightweight Dual-Tow System Designed for Demanding Baltic Environment

Saab, as prime contractor for the Finnish Squadron 2020 combat system, has contracted Patria to design and deliver a state-of-the-art ASW sonar system for the POHJANMAA-class corvettes. The contract involves some 50 man-years work in Finland, while strengthening Patria’s product portfolio and improving its competitiveness and position in the international naval markets.

The new lightweight dual-tow SONAC DTS system consists of both an active variable-depth sonar and a passive towed thin-line receiving array that can be used together or independently. The system has been designed to meet the demanding underwater acoustic conditions prevalent in the Baltic Sea, to ensure the best possible performance.

Future collaboration also covers combat system engineering and integration, software development and the underwater sensor domain, including sonars. The contract further enables Patria to contribute to software development of the 9LV Combat Management System (CMS) for the global market and Saab to contribute to production and marketing of Patria’s underwater sensor portfolio. The collaboration will also strengthen the domestic defence industry and technology base, as well as improve the security of supply for the Squadron 2020 project.

The contract represents a “[…] critical technology from the national security of supply point of view. The development of the DONAC DTS system is based on Patria’s over 30-year experience in the design and delivery of underwater acoustic sensor systems,” explained Jonas Geust, President of Patria’s Systems Business Unit.