Thales Unveils Sonar 76Nano Prototype to Strengthen UK and Allied Maritime Security

Uncrewed underwater vessel with 76Nano Sonar ©Thales

(IN BRIEF) Thales has introduced Sonar 76Nano, a miniaturised acoustic detection system developed in just ten months to enhance maritime security for the UK, NATO and allied forces. Building on the proven Sonar 2076, the system combines modular deployment, AI-driven detection and digital integration to support a wide range of crewed and uncrewed naval platforms. Designed for multi-mission use, Sonar 76Nano strengthens UK industrial capability, supports future exports and demonstrates how defence priorities can translate into rapid, tangible innovation. The prototype will make its public debut with the Royal Navy in December.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 15-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales has unveiled the prototype of Sonar 76Nano, a compact and highly advanced acoustic detection system designed to strengthen maritime security for the UK, NATO and allied forces. Developed from initial concept to working prototype in just ten months, Sonar 76Nano reflects a new generation of agile defence innovation, closely aligned with UK defence priorities and ambitions to reinforce national security and domestic industrial capability.

Derived from the proven Sonar 2076 platform, Sonar 76Nano delivers powerful acoustic capabilities in a significantly miniaturised and flexible format. Its modular design allows deployment across a wide range of platforms, including uncrewed underwater vehicles, seabed monitoring systems and naval drones, extending advanced sonar capability beyond traditional high-value vessels. This adaptability supports hybrid naval operations and aligns with the Royal Navy’s Atlantic Bastion concept for integrated and responsive maritime defence.

Beyond submarine detection, Sonar 76Nano is designed as a multi-mission system. It can support seabed mapping, collect acoustic and operational threat data, and enable low-probability-of-intercept underwater communications. Artificial intelligence plays a central role, accelerating target detection and classification while enhancing decision-making speed and accuracy in complex operational environments. The system is digitally native, enabling seamless integration with existing defence infrastructure and improving interoperability across UK and NATO forces.

The rapid development cycle behind Sonar 76Nano highlights Thales’ focus on speed, innovation and secure supply chains within the UK defence sector. The programme supports high-value skills, strengthens sovereign industrial capability and creates opportunities for future exports, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in advanced maritime technologies.

Sonar 76Nano is scheduled to make its first public appearance with the Royal Navy on 17 December during a technology demonstrator event. The showcase will allow naval personnel and defence experts to examine the prototype’s capabilities and engage directly with the Thales teams responsible for its development, marking a key milestone in the evolution of next-generation underwater security solutions.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

About Thales in the UK

Thales in the UK is a team of over 7,000 experts, including 4,500 highly skilled engineers, located across 16 sites.

Each year Thales invests over £575 million into its UK supply chain, working with over 2,000 companies. They are dedicated to research and technology, working with partners to invest over £130m+ in R&D in the UK annually.With a heritage of over 130 years, Thales in the UK understands the importance of developing skills for the future, which is why they have over 400 apprentices and graduates across the UK. Thales is committed to supporting its people, and continuously developing talent, and highly skilled experts.

Media Relations Contacts

Thales, Media relations – pressroom@thalesgroup.com

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SOURCE: Thales