Marshall Group has been awarded a significant contract by Thales UK to manufacture, maintain, and support essential components for anti-submarine sonar arrays, critical to the UK Royal Navy’s operations. The contract, which will span 14 years from 2025 to 2039, positions Marshall as a key supplier for both the Sonar 2076 and Sonar 2087 systems.
Sonar 2076 is used on the Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarines, as well as the next-generation Dreadnought-class submarines. Meanwhile, Sonar 2087 is deployed on the existing Type 23 frigates and will be incorporated into the upcoming Type 26 frigates, including versions for export.
Production and ongoing support will be managed by Marshall’s Advanced Manufacturing Solutions division in Cambridge, UK, which is also responsible for assembling auxiliary fuel tanks for the Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft. This role further contributes to the UK’s anti-submarine warfare and maritime protection capabilities.
Thales has highlighted the importance of the partnership with Marshall, emphasizing the value of their technical expertise and support for critical UK defense programs. The collaboration aims to ensure that Sonar 2076 and Sonar 2087 systems continue to provide superior operational capabilities while also benefiting the UK’s maritime sector through job creation and technological advancements.
The new agreement builds upon Marshall’s longstanding relationship with Thales, with both companies committing to further investment in specialized equipment and facilities in Cambridge to support the production and testing of sonar modules.
