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Contract Of £18.3 Million Was Awarded Five Years Ahead Of Schedule, Maintains 250 Jobs, Supports 29 Companies And Anticipates The Implementation Of The SONUS Acoustic Tracker Up To 12 Months Earlier, Which Weighs 70% Less And Operates Without Issuing An Electronic Signature
The British Army is implementing a SONUS acoustic tracker to locate artillery and mortar fire more accurately, in a contract worth £18.3 million awarded five years ahead of schedule, with implementation within 12 months.
Acoustic Tracker Enhances Capability To Locate Hostile Artillery
The new SONUS Acoustic Weapon Location System represents the latest evolution of Leonardo UK’s Hostile Artillery Location capability, developed over more than 25 years. The acoustic tracker enhances situational awareness and protection on the battlefield.
The system is already trusted by 13 international users, including six NATO countries, and has been combat-tested in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more recently, in Ukraine. The implementation occurs in the context of modernizing the capabilities of the British Army.
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According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the £18.3 million contract was awarded five years ahead of schedule. The acquisition will maintain 250 jobs in the UK and support 29 small and medium-sized enterprises in the supply chain.
Technical Operation Of The SONUS Acoustic Tracker
Developed by Leonardo UK, the acoustic tracker uses sound analysis to detect and locate gunfire, mortar fire and explosions without emitting an electronic signature. The system operates passively, reducing the risk of detection.
The SONUS detects three distinct acoustic signatures from enemy fire. It identifies the muzzle blast, the supersonic crack of a projectile breaking the sound barrier, and the impact or explosion of the projectile.
By analyzing these signatures, the acoustic tracker distinguishes between handguns, mortars, and rifles. Using multiple sensors distributed in the field, it applies triangulation to calculate and locate the source of fire with high precision.
Advanced acoustic processing allows for the calculation of both the point of origin and the point of impact. Unlike radar-based systems, the SONUS doesn’t emit an electronic signature, significantly reducing risk for troops.
According to Leonardo UK, the system can operate undetected in contested environments. This feature enhances the protection of forces by minimizing exposure during enemy fire identification.
Weight Reduction, Mobility And Rapid Implementation
The acoustic tracker is half the size of the system it replaces and weighs 70% less than its predecessor. The weight reduction improves mobility, stealth, and ease of positioning in the field.
The lower energy requirements increase operational autonomy, reducing reliance on frequent resupply. Operating via passive acoustic detection, the system requires less energy and extends field presence.
Its sensors are equipped with integrated GPS microphones. This configuration allows teams to install the system in under three minutes, minimizing exposure in high-risk environments.
The open architecture is designed for future upgrades and integration with other platforms. This structure ensures adaptability as operational requirements evolve over time.
Economic Impact And Strategic Alignment
The contract was awarded five years ahead of schedule, accelerating system delivery. Field implementation is expected within the next 12 months, as reported by the Ministry of Defence.
The acquisition is aligned with increasing defense spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027. The investment is part of the Defence Strategic Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy.
According to the Ministry, the agreement will maintain 250 jobs nationwide and support 29 small and medium-sized enterprises. The measure reinforces the defense sector’s role in fostering economic growth.
In a statement, Brigadier M Birch noted that the system will significantly increase the capability to protect personnel and respond to emerging threats. He stated that the Army will remain ready to face future challenges.
The Ministry stated that the investment improves combat readiness, strengthens the UK’s defense industrial base, and makes defense a driver of growth. The program integrates strategic planning and operational capability.
With the adoption of the SONUS acoustic tracker, the British Army enhances its ability to locate artillery and mortar fire accurately. The system consolidates the evolution of the HALO capability developed over more than 25 years and strengthens situational awareness on the battlefield.
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