Thales has unveiled the prototype of Sonar 76Nano, a miniaturized acoustic detection system designed to enhance maritime security for the UK, NATO, and allies. Building on the proven Sonar 2076, this modular, AI-enabled system can be deployed on uncrewed and crewed platforms, offering flexible, rapid detection and decision-making. Developed in just 10 months, Sonar 76Nano supports UK defence priorities, strengthens industrial capability, and will make its public debut with the Royal Navy on 17 December, showcasing next-generation underwater security technology. They write:

Thales introduces the prototype of Sonar 76Nano, a revolutionary miniaturised acoustic detection system intended to redefine maritime security for the UK, NATO, and their allies. Building on the world-class legacy of the renowned Sonar 2076, the Sonar 76Nano directly supports the UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy ambitions to strengthen national security and UK industrial capability.

Innovation that keeps our warfighters ahead of emerging threats

From concept to real-world prototype in just 10 months, Sonar 76Nano sets a bold new standard in agility, innovation, and operational excellence. Thanks to its modular and flexible design, this sonar system can be deployed onboard a wider range of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUV) and seabed monitoring systems rather than being limited to large high value platforms. It empowers greater flexibility and responsiveness across naval operations through a hybrid fleet – an approach aligned to the Royal Navy’s Atlantic Bastion vision for integrated defence across the North Atlantic and beyond.

Key features and breakthroughs

• Miniaturised, proven technology: leveraging trusted Sonar 2076 capabilities in a compact, versatile form factor.
• Modular deployment: seamlessly integrated across the full spectrum of platforms — uncrewed systems to crewed systems.
• AI-enhanced acoustic detection: artificial intelligence accelerates target identification and decision-making with unprecedented precision.
• Digital native integration: fully compatible with existing defence infrastructure, enhancing interoperability across UK and NATO forces.
• Rapid development cycle.

This fast-paced innovation cycle underscores Thales’s commitment to fostering agility, cutting-edge research, and secure supply chains – directly supporting UK high-value jobs and driving technological exports.

Public debut with the Royal Navy

On 17th December, Sonar 76Nano will make its official public debut with the Royal Navy at a technology demonstrator, marking a pivotal moment for maritime defence. This will allow naval personnel and experts to witness the prototype’s capabilities first-hand and engage with Thales’ leading engineers and scientists.

Sonar 76Nano shows how strategic government defence priorities can drive tangible innovation that strengthens UK maritime dominance and industrial capability.

“Sonar 76Nano is a landmark innovation and a vivid demonstration of what focused ingenuity and collaboration can achieve with tight deadline. In just ten months, our world-class teams have progressed from visionary concepts to an advanced prototype that sets the stage for the next generation of underwater security and agility. As we present this innovation to the Royal Navy, we reaffirm our commitment to keeping the UK at the forefront of global maritime security.” Paul Armstrong, Managing Director Under Water Systems, Thales in the UK.“

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