SOURCE: AFI
In a landmark development for Indo-Australian defence cooperation, India and Australia have signed a Joint Research Project to develop advanced towed array sonar systems, a critical technology for enhancing underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. The agreement, announced on June 4, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two nations, reinforcing their shared commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Towed array sonars are advanced underwater detection systems comprising hydrophones towed behind a ship or submarine on a cable, often extending kilometers. These systems excel at detecting faint acoustic signals from quiet submarines or torpedoes, offering superior resolution and range compared to hull-mounted sonars. By positioning sensors away from a vessel’s own noise sources, towed arrays significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio, making them indispensable for ASW operations in complex maritime environments like the Indian Ocean.
The joint project aims to leverage the technological expertise of both nations to develop cutting-edge towed array sonar systems tailored for modern naval challenges. This collaboration is particularly vital given the increasing sophistication of submarines and the growing need for robust maritime surveillance in the Indo-Pacific, where geopolitical tensions and maritime security concerns are on the rise.
India’s expertise in sonar technology, driven by institutions like the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) in Kochi, complements Australia’s advanced sonar industry, which includes companies like Thales Underwater, Sonartech Atlas, and Ultra. Australia has a long history of sonar development, dating back to the 1970s with systems like Kariwara, a slim-line towed array that became the basis for successful export programs.
The joint project is expected to focus on developing compact, lightweight, and high-performance sonar arrays, potentially integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for enhanced signal processing and target classification. Such innovations align with global trends, where towed sonar systems are increasingly incorporating AI/ML to improve detection accuracy and adapt to diverse underwater environments.
The collaboration comes at a time when both nations are prioritizing maritime security amid rising geopolitical tensions. The Indo-Pacific region, a critical global trade and strategic corridor, faces challenges from increasing submarine activity and territorial disputes. Towed array sonars are particularly effective in warm, shallow waters like the Arabian Sea, where conventional hull-mounted sonars struggle due to temperature gradients that refract sonar waves.
India’s experience with towed array sonars includes the induction of indigenous systems like Abhay, HUMSA-UG, and NACS by the Indian Navy in 2016, developed by NPOL. However, challenges with indigenous projects like Nagan and ALTAS prompted India to procure Active Towed Array Sonar (ACTAS) systems from Germany’s Atlas Elektronik for its Kamorta-class corvettes. This joint project with Australia could accelerate India’s indigenous sonar development while benefiting from Australia’s expertise in systems like Kariwara.
For Australia, the partnership offers access to India’s growing defence manufacturing ecosystem and strategic ship repair capabilities. Indian shipyards, such as Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), have demonstrated proficiency in servicing advanced naval vessels, including those of the U.S. Navy. This synergy enhances Australia’s operational flexibility by providing maintenance options closer to key Indo-Pacific maritime routes.
The global towed array sonar market is projected to grow from USD 1.5 billion in 2025 to USD 2.5 billion by 2033, driven by demand for advanced ASW systems and technological advancements. This collaboration positions India and Australia to capture a share of this market while addressing regional security needs.
While the project holds immense potential, challenges remain. High development costs, complex integration requirements, and the need for specialized expertise could pose hurdles. Additionally, regulatory concerns about underwater acoustic pollution may influence system design, pushing for quieter, environmentally friendly arrays.
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