Leonardo’s passive acoustic detection system, SONUS, has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) as part of an £18.3 million contract under Project SERPENS. SONUS will provide the British Army with the ability to passively and precisely locate enemy mortars and artillery.
SONUS is the latest iteration of Leonardo’s Hostile Artillery Location (HALO) system, continuously developed by the Company for over 25 years. The system is trusted by 13 global users including six NATO nations, and its performance has been validated on combat operations in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and most recently in Ukraine.
Using advanced acoustic processing to detect acoustic pressure waves from gunfire, mortars and explosions, SONUS provides operators with a precise point of origin and point of impact. Unlike radars which emit an electronic signature, the system operates passively. This puts its operators in significantly less danger as they deploy equipment and means SONUS can operate completely undetected.
Open by design, the latest version of SONUS is designed with an open architecture meaning future iterations and integrations with other systems are possible, as well as enabling low risk, dynamic upgrades.
SONUS is 50% smaller and weighs 70% less than its predecessor, making it easier to transport, position and conceal. Its reduced power consumption means a longer operational life in the field, limiting the need for resupply. The system’s sensor posts also feature integrated GPS microphones, enabling deployment in under three minutes, reducing the risk of exposure to soldiers operating in hostile territory.
The SONUS platforms will be delivered to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, the British Army’s dedicated Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, over the next 12 months.
Brigadier M Birch, Senior Responsible Owner for the Land ISTAR Programme, said: “This investment in Leonardo’s SONUS Acoustic Weapon Locating System demonstrates the Army’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to the front line. It will significantly enhance our ability to protect our people and respond to emerging threats, ensuring the Army remains ready to meet the challenges of the future.”
Olly Manning, Vice President Mission Systems at Leonardo, said: “Leonardo has over 40 years of experience in passive acoustic weapon-locating technology, with battle-proven systems that have seen operational use with over 13 Armed Forces – many of whom are NATO members. We are looking forward to working in partnership with the British Army to ensure SONUS provides them with an accurate, robust and reliable passive detection system that will keep our Armed Forces safe – now and into the future.”
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