Overview
- The award supplies new expendable sonobuoys for Merlin Mk2 helicopters, increasing UK-held stocks for high-tempo anti-submarine operations.
- Royal Navy officials say the sensors are central to detecting, tracking and deterring submarines, with Merlin crews fusing sonobuoy data with dipping sonar and tactical datalinks.
- Aircraft can hand off or prosecute contacts with Sting Ray torpedoes, supporting carrier and frigate task groups from RNAS Culdrose and forward bases.
- British-made sonobuoys, excluding CAMBS, are compatible with RAF and NATO P-8A Poseidon aircraft, enabling shared tactics, logistics and stockpiles.
- Ultra Maritime is also working with the MoD on miniaturized sonobuoys for uncrewed air systems to expand distributed undersea surveillance.