French defense-electronics maker **Thales** has secured a contract to furnish the entire sonar and acoustics suite for the **Royal Netherlands Navy** **Orka-class submarine fleet**, which is to be constructed by **Naval Group**. This information was disclosed in a statement from Thales on **Wednesday**.

This submarine sonar contract marks Thales’s first outside its primary underwater markets of **France**, the **U.K.**, the **U.S.**, and **Australia** in the past **15 years**. **Emmanuel Michaud**, vice president for submarines and surface vessels at Thales, mentioned that the sensor suite for the four Dutch submarines will serve as the foundation for Thales’s export offers for upcoming submarine programs.

Michaud referred to the contract as “our stepping stone to a new generation of export-contract submarine systems,” emphasizing its importance for future opportunities. He characterized the current market for submarines as particularly active.

Thales entered an agreement with Naval Group to supply the four sonar suites, with the contract’s worth estimated between **€100 million** (approximately **$109 million**) and **€1 billion**. Michaud, however, refrained from specifying an exact amount. He expressed satisfaction with the contract, noting that it lays the groundwork for a series of future contracts.

Thales had previously won a **2020** contract from **BAE Systems** worth **£330 million** (about **$428 million**) to provide the sonar system for the U.K.’s four **Dreadnought nuclear submarines**. The sensor suite for the Dutch submarines will be heavily derived from the systems used in the **French Suffren-class nuclear attack submarines**. The same Thales team responsible for delivering the remaining three out of six Suffren-class submarines will also be involved in the Dutch project.

A year prior, the Netherlands had selected Naval Group to construct four conventionally powered attack submarines, under a contract valued at up to **€5.65 billion**, intended to replace the aging **Walrus-class** subs. The Dutch submarines will be based on the **Barracuda program** from Naval Group, which produced the Suffren class.

Michaud stated, “We had Barracuda, we invested a lot thanks to the French MoD and French Navy, and this gives us a competitive edge.” He underscored the ongoing enhancements to their product in response to the stringent demands from the Dutch Navy.

Most components of the sonar suite for the Dutch submarines are already in existence and are being continuously improved in terms of both hardware and software.

The first two submarines from this contract are expected to be delivered by **2034**. Michaud expressed confidence in meeting this timeline, stating, “We are working full speed already to be on time for the delivery of the first submarine.” He acknowledged the complexity of assembly, and he would be content with delivery by **2034**.

Thales claims to be a world leader in sonar, equipping around **50 submarines** and holding approximately **50%** of the accessible market. Their customers include the navies of **France**, **Britain**, **Australia**, **Singapore**, **Chile**, and **Malaysia**.

For the Dutch submarines, Thales will provide a comprehensive range of acoustic installations, including main antennas like the **bow-mounted cylindrical array** and the **flank array sonar**. Additional equipment will consist of an intercept array atop the submarine and a mine and obstacle-avoidance sonar capable of seabed mapping.

Thales is collaborating with **Optical11**, a Dutch company, to develop a towed linear antenna using optical technology, set to be included in the sonar suite. Optical11, based in **Amsterdam**, is recognized as a leader in fiber optic sensing technology for sensitive early warning systems.

Michaud remarked that the technology readiness for the optical array isn’t yet suitable for full production from the outset. Thales and Optical11 agreed to conduct a feasibility study in **November**, projected to last most of **2025**, aiming to incorporate this technology into the Dutch submarines. Michaud characterized the technology as “very challenging, but very promising.”

He noted that France’s defense ministry is also working on an optical towed array; nonetheless, it remains proprietary, thus making it non-exportable.

The Dutch submarines will be outfitted with a double row of flank array sonar, a decision made as a cost-effective method to enhance the sensor surface while avoiding the lengthy timeline and high costs associated with developing a new array.

Regarding Poland’s interest in acquiring submarines, Michaud refrained from commenting on market opportunities linked to Naval Group, stating that Thales’s strategy is to provide a versatile sonar suite capable of meeting diverse customer requirements without incurring additional developmental expenses that could increase costs and risks.

**Rudy Ruitenberg** is a Europe correspondent for *Defense