The new partnership seeks to deliver advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities suitable for hostile, GPS-denied environments. “This strategic partnership will provide a significant new capability where small form factor sonobuoys and receivers, aboard a long-range unmanned aircraft, can provide autonomous, low cost ASW in a GPS-denied environment,” the companies stated.
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is recognised for its extensive multi-domain intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting (ISR&T) capabilities. GA-ASI plans to integrate the aircraft with Ultra Maritime’s exclusive half-size sonobuoys, which will allow for doubled UAS payload capacity and increased deployment flexibility.
These compact sonobuoys will enable Multi-static Active (MSA) capabilities to support wide-area submarine search operations. Ultra Maritime’s new acoustic receivers, also reduced to half the traditional size, are optimised for unmanned systems and enhance mission effectiveness by monitoring a greater number of sonobuoys per flight using advanced communications technology.
The entire initiative is being funded through internal research and development by both companies. An integrated operational demonstration of the system is scheduled to begin in 2025 across the Indo-Pacific and other strategic regions.
