Kongsberg has completed its acquisition of Sonatech, a California-based engineering firm specialising in underwater acoustics.
In a 1 September release, the company stated that the acquisition is part of its strategy to expand operations in the US and reinforce its collaboration with the US Navy.
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The deal, which sees Kongsberg take full ownership of Sonatech, aims to combine the companies’ technical portfolios and expertise in underwater acoustic systems.
Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Kongsberg president and chief executive officer Eirik Lie said: “Maritime domain awareness is critical in today’s rapidly evolving security landscape, and this acquisition strengthens Kongsberg’s position as a partner to the US Navy and provides exciting growth opportunities in the US.
“Sonatech and Kongsberg’s technology portfolios and expertise are complementary, and together they will expand the systems and products available in the US.”
Sonatech, with a workforce of over 100, focuses on designing and producing tailored devices, subsystems, and systems for transmitting, receiving, and processing acoustic signals underwater.
The company supplies sonar and underwater communications technology to the US Navy and also serves other US and international government, research, and military customers.
According to Kongsberg, Sonatech reported revenue of $33m in 2024.
Kongsberg, meanwhile, offers a range of technologies that include acoustic sensors, advanced navigation and positioning solutions, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) such as the HUGIN series.
The company noted that its AUVs support intelligence gathering with customised payloads and are capable of extended operations in both shallow and deep waters.
These systems are used for mine countermeasures, harbour defence, underwater operations, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Kongsberg executive vice president and Discovery division president Camilla Kiss said: “The HUGIN family of AUVs provides a wide range of capabilities. From shallow to deep water capabilities – from a few days to weeks of endurance and from high-quality survey with the highest-resolution sensors to special missionised versions for the defence market.
“Our technology aligns well with Sonatech’s capabilities and will give the US Navy access to cutting-edge products, systems and solutions.”
