The Dutch MoD has commissioned Dutch Naval Design to develop 12m uncrewed surface vessels carrying Thales FLASH dipping sonar for the new ASW frigates.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence, acting through the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT), has formally commissioned Dutch Naval Design (DND) to begin designing a 12-meter uncrewed surface vessel (USV) for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The uncrewed craft will be deployed from the Royal Netherlands Navy’s upcoming generation of ASW frigates, significantly expanding the naval task group’s reach and underwater threat detection capabilities.
Concurrently, the Dutch MoD cleared the way to finalize the procurement of a modified variant of the FLASH dipping sonar from Thales Underwater Systems France, which will be integrated directly into the USV platform.
Prototyping and Operational Concept
Development of the platform will be carried out by the “USV Alliance,” an industrial consortium formed under the Dutch Naval Design framework—a strategic partnership uniting the Ministry of Defence, defense industry leaders, academic institutions, and research centers.
To refine the operational system before full production, the consortium will first construct a functional prototype. The prototype phase will test and optimize the vessel’s hull design, autonomous navigational functions, nautical safety protocols, and complex system-of-systems integration. Data gathered during trials will directly inform the construction of the operational units.
Each of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s next-generation ASW frigates will carry a 12-meter USV. Operating at extended ranges from the mother ship, these uncrewed assets will serve as offboard “eyes and ears,” executing detection, tracking, and deterrence missions in submarine-dense marine environments.
Dipping Sonar Payload
Central to the USV’s mission system is an adapted version of the Thales FLASH (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) dipping sonar. Traditionally deployed from naval helicopters, the Compact FLASH system will be re-engineered for uncrewed surface platform operations.
By deploying active dipping sonar from an uncrewed craft rather than the frigate itself, naval forces can conduct active sonar sweeps at a stand-off distance. This approach drastically extends the fleet’s acoustic search area and speeds up reaction times while keeping the host frigate from revealing its location to hostile submarines.
Strengthening Anti-Submarine Capability
Anti-submarine warfare remains a core strategic pillar for the Royal Netherlands Navy and its regional allies. The integration of high-end acoustic sensors onto medium uncrewed surface platforms represents a key technological step in distributed maritime operations, boosting the survivability, efficiency, and combat effectiveness of surface forces against modern submarine threats.
Following the initial design phase and prototype testing, findings will be integrated into the final design before series production for the ASW frigate program begins.
Check out our video on the flash dipping sonar:
Check out our coverage on Dutch naval programs including the ASW frigates and their USV:
