Sonobuoys play a crucial role in detecting submarines hidden beneath the ocean’s surface.
The final assembly of advanced sonobuoys designed for submarine detection is set to take place in India, with an operational production line anticipated by 2027, as announced by Ultra Maritime. Collaborating with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a defense public sector undertaking, this partnership marks a significant step in enhancing naval capabilities.
In a landmark agreement, India and the U.S. recently unveiled a groundbreaking partnership for the co-production of sonobuoys tailored for Undersea Domain Awareness for the Indian Navy. This high-end technology is crucial for tracking submarines in vast oceanic expanses, highlighting the strategic importance of such advancements following the recent visit of a high-ranking U.S. official to India.
“The work share will adhere to the principles of Make in India, with final assembly conducted domestically. Our target is to have a fully operational production line by 2027,” stated Ultra Maritime, confirming the project aligns with U.S. specifications akin to those utilized by the P-8 aircraft.
BDL’s Chairman, Commodore A. Madhavarao (retd.), indicated plans for establishing joint production facilities in Vishakhapatnam with Ultra Maritime.
As part of the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET) initiated in May 2022, Ultra Maritime plans to explore new sonobuoy technologies alongside BDL, aiming to enhance acoustic performance tailored to the unique Indian Ocean environment. This effort will enable extensive area search capabilities with specialized multi-static active solutions.
Looking ahead, Ultra Maritime is working with BDL to integrate Indian suppliers into its global supply chain, enhancing local industry participation.
The statement from Ultra Maritime further emphasized that the co-produced sonobuoys will maintain interoperability among the U.S. Navy, Indian Navy, and allied platforms, including the P-8, MH-60R, and MQ-9B Sea Guardian aircraft.
This development is particularly significant as India continues to bolster its military platform acquisitions from the U.S., which are also in use by regional allies like Australia and Japan, known for their participation in the Quad and Malabar naval exercises. These sonobuoys are capable of being deployed from aircraft and helicopters. Additionally, India is investing in ocean bed sensor technology, with progress reported by several innovative start-ups currently in trial phases.
Given China’s rapid naval expansion and heightened presence in the Indian Ocean, undersea domain awareness is increasingly vital. The Indian Navy is actively collaborating with regional partners, particularly within the Quad framework.
The Indian Navy currently operates the P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft and is incorporating the MH-60R multi-role helicopters. Furthermore, a significant $3.5 billion contract was signed for 31 MQ-9B Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy, alongside 16 Sky Guardians — eight each for the Army and Air Force — with delivery expected to commence from January 2029.
Published – January 12, 2025 11:03 pm IST
