Sonar 2087

Sonar 2087 is a towed array sonar system for Royal Navy Type 23 frigates manufactured by Thales Underwater Systems. It is also intended to equip the Royal Navys future Type 26 frigates starting around 2020.

Design
Sonar 2087 is a towed array sonar that was designed to replace the older Sonar 2031 towed array in the Royal Navy. Sonar 2087 is described by its manufacturer as "a towed-array system that enables Type 23 frigates to hunt the latest submarines at considerable distances and locate them beyond the range at which they [submarines] can launch an attack."

Sonar 2087 is a Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS) and consists of both active and passive sonar arrays. The system is manufactured at Thales sites in the UK (Cheadle Heath in Manchester and Templecombe in Somerset) and in France (Brest).

Entry into service
The introduction of this advanced new Sonar has significantly enhanced the anti submarine warfare capability of the Royal Navy. During Exercise ORION 08, HMS Westminster, using Sonar 2087, conducted successful anti-submarine exercises in the Indian Ocean. During Exercise Auriga in 2010, HMS Sutherland's capability equipped with Sonar 2087 was described as "world-beating" by the Sutherland's commanding officer. American, British, Canadian and French warships took part in the exercise, including the French nuclear submarine Perle (S606). The Chilean Navy is procuring a number of Sonar 2087 towed arrays from Thales Underwater Systems to equip its multipurpose frigates