Hull-Mounted Sonars for New Korean FFX Frigates

, Thales Underwater Systems has been awarded a contract from STX Engine CO Ltd, Republic of Korea, for an industrial cooperation aiming at the full scale development of a new Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS) for the FFX frigate program to replace the Ulsan Class. 
 
The contract covers an industrial cooperation for design, development and manufacturing of the antenna and dome for HMS sonar, with final contract completion in 2009. 
 
Thales Underwater Systems has been a major force in the development of advanced anti-submarine warfare sonar systems for more than 40 years during which time it has established a leading position in medium frequency HMS design. 
 
The HMS is a high power and high performance keel mounted sonar, its design is largerly based on the Thales off-the-shelf products. The high performance HMS is the result of continuous efforts and improvements in the sonar domain resulting in a smart sonar system adopted by many navies. 
 
Guy Baruchel, Vice-President of Thales Underwater Systems, stated “I am glad that this step gives a real opportunity for our Customer to locally develop a leading edge sonar system. A Korean industrial partnership that also reinforces Thales' position on the HMS for export market while strengthening the future relations between France and the Republic of Korea.” 
 
This order continues to highlight the significance of Thales in the ASW market and the underwater battlespace.  
 
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide, supported by a comprehensive services offering. The group