Thales has secured an order for its 100th Combined Active-Passive Towed Array Sonar (CAPTAS) system from an undisclosed international customer, marking a major milestone for the company’s flagship anti-submarine warfare (ASW) technology.
The CAPTAS family comprises several variable-depth sonar variants designed to deliver 360-degree active and passive detection over long ranges. The system’s acoustic reach exceeds 60 kilometers (37 miles), allowing early identification of submarines before they approach restricted or strategic zones.
This early warning capability enhances maritime situational awareness and enables naval forces to detect, track, and respond to underwater threats across both deep and littoral waters.
Currently, 17 navies — including those of France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States — operate CAPTAS systems, which are also deployed by multiple NATO members for coordinated underwater surveillance.
System Overview
CAPTAS can be installed on platforms ranging from sub-1,000-ton vessels to large warships, including corvettes, frigates, destroyers, and unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Its containerized mission module allows rapid installation and redeployment to meet changing operational needs.
The sonar integrates seamlessly with other Thales solutions, such as Hull-Mounted Sonars, FLASH dipping sonar, and SonoFlash sonobuoys, providing full-spectrum interoperability for joint and allied operations.
Built with a modular and cyber-secure architecture, CAPTAS is adaptable for future technology upgrades. The integration of AI-based data analytics and decision-support tools enhances situational interpretation, while intuitive automation reduces crew workload and simplifies operation throughout the system’s service life.
