Ultra Maritime has secured a contract worth C$200m ($146m) to supply the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Navy with its advanced sonar suite for anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
The technology will be installed on the navies’ latest surface ships, enhancing their ASW and torpedo defence systems.
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In June 2023, Damen Naval received a contract to design and construct four ASW frigates, with two destined for the Netherlands and two for Belgium.
These new ASW frigates will succeed the existing Karel Doorman-class multipurpose frigates.
Additionally, Damen is engaged in the development of a Combat Support Ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Ultra Maritime said the suite includes an array of sensors designed for effective operation in both deep-sea and coastal waters, enabling detection of stealthy submarine and torpedo threats under challenging conditions.
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By GlobalDataThe sonar suite in question is the Low-Frequency Active Passive Sonar (LFAPS) system, which integrates Ultra Maritime’s towed array sonar technologies, the Sea Lancer in-line and Sea Sabre towed body variable depth sonars (VDS).
The LFAPS system incorporates advanced health monitoring algorithms to enhance operation and operability.
Ultra Maritime combines in-line Horizontal Projector Array with a conventional towed body, which enables it to adapt across various maritime operational theatres.
In collaboration with the Dutch Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT), Ultra Maritime will provide “global allies solutions for the rapidly evolving threat environment”.
The company’s growth and technological advancements in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia have been influenced by the Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) policy of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Ultra Maritime said it “is committed to strengthening the Dutch defence knowledge and industrial base and will fulfil Dutch offset obligations through initiatives that deliver long-term value and capability to the Netherlands”.
In April 2025, Ultra Maritime collaborated with the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde to explore innovative ceramic materials aimed at bolstering ASW and torpedo defence systems.
