Sonar Trials and Testing Facility in Tasmania

Thales Australia is looking to make Tasmania the home of a state-of-the-art trials and test facility for submarine and surface ship sonar systems.

Thales Australia, the University of Tasmania, Australian Maritime College and AMOG Consulting today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to investigate the establishment of the facility.

The potential locations being investigated for the facility are located in the federal seat of Braddon and will create jobs and develop world leading expertise for the region.

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, who witnessed today’s signing, said this initiative further demonstrates the Turnbull Government’s investment in shipbuilding capability and sustainment is a truly national enterprise.

“Sonar systems are the eyes and ears of our submarines and ships and are key to giving them the edge they need,“ Minister Pyne said.

“The Collins class sonar upgrade program is boosting defence industry confidence around Australia.”

“Contributions to Australia’s military capability from our defence industry come from all around the country and are not confined to our big cities.”

“Congratulations to everyone involved in delivering this great opportunity for the region.”

“Initiatives like this help build Australia’s capability to deliver the Turnbull Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan,” said Minister Pyne.

Thales Australia advises the use of Tasmania’s deep, cold and acoustically quiet lakes for the proposed acoustic testing capability could enable sonar systems, including those currently delivered by Thales to be tested to new levels of accuracy.