The Royal Netherlands Navy has been conducting an operational evaluation of the Ultra Electronics Low Frequency Active Passive Sonar (LFAPS) aboard the HMNS Van Amstel and initial impressions have proven extremely favourable.

The trial was conducted over several days in conjunction with a Dutch Walrus class submarine and a NH90 helicopter, which was fitted with a low frequency, dipping sonar. It demonstrated the LFAPS's abilities to mono-statically and bi-statically detect and track a diesel-electric submarine, in challenging environmental conditions, in littoral waters.

“[LFAPS] is a quantum leap in the field of submarine warfare.”

Ultra Electronics has been supporting the Dutch DMO through the development of the LFAPS hardware, with the processing software developed by the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).

Aboard the M-class frigate, Lieutenant General Rob Verkerk of the Royal Netherlands Navy tweeted that the test had shown the technology to be a “quantum leap in the field of submarine warfare”.

Ultra Electronics will supply the underwater warfare system for the RAN’s three Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers and has an established presence in Australia. Technology such as the LFAPS also has clear applications for the Sea 5000 Future Frigate project.