Thales revolutionises the underwater battlespace with new Sonar 76Nano

December 15, 2025

• Sonar 76Nano is a compact, advanced acoustic detection system aimed at enhancing maritime security for the UK, NATO, and allies, closely aligned with key UK defence priorities.

• Developed from concept to prototype in just ten months, it features modular deployment, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven detection, and the potential for seamless integration across naval platforms, including naval drones.

• Sonar 76Nano will not only detect submarines, it will be able to map the seabed, conduct threat acoustic and operational data collection, and even send messages underwater with a low risk of being detected.

• Sonar 76Nano strengthens UK industrial capability, supports potential exports and jobs, and underscores Thales’ ongoing commitment to innovation and national security. 

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 integrates across the full spectrum of platforms — uncrewed systems to crewed systems.
• AI-enhanced acoustic detection: advanced 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: from whiteboard sketches to prototype soak testing achieved in record-breaking time.

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. By combining world-class engineering with rapid development, it ensures British technology is ready to lead future security efforts, boosting exports, enabling sovereign capability, and supporting skilled jobs.

“Sonar 76Nano is a landmark innovation and a vivid demonstration of what focused ingenuity and collaboration can achieve under pressure. 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 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.

Photo courtesy Thales