Update: Transformative Partnership for Modular Sonar Integration Enhancing ASW Capabilities
In October 2022, CUBEDIN A/S and Thales announced a groundbreaking collaboration to integrate Thales sonar systems within CUBEDIN's modular concept.
Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris, the two companies committed to developing a modular anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sonar solution to meet emerging requirements in Denmark and beyond. This partnership also aims to validate the software platform underpinning the CUBEDIN concept.
Proving the Concept
With the Royal Danish Navy evolving its requirements for a variable depth ASW sonar for its Absalon-class flexible support ships, CUBEDIN and Thales saw an opportunity to leverage their respective expertise. “This is serving as a proof-of-concept for us,” says Danny Ingemann, CEO of CUBEDIN. “We want to demonstrate how our innovative software solution can seamlessly integrate with the CAPTAS sonar.”
The collaboration has provided a unique opportunity to integrate the Thales’ combat systems and radars with the CUBEDIN software platform. This integration enables real-time information analysis from both Thales equipment and the platform, improving situational awareness, tactical advantage, and decision-making speed.
Greater Operational Flexibility
Work will continue through 2024. “We’re currently demonstrating that the ship’s crew can operate the CAPTAS sonar from their existing systems,” says Martin, Lead Software Architect for CUBEDIN “They can also use the CUBEDIN system to monitor system performance and behaviour. Our goal is to complete this initial integration by the end of the year for demonstration purposes.”
“Thales is recognized as a business leader in the naval domain, and CUBEDIN offers unique technology. Together we are able to provide a flexible and cutting-edge solution to naval forces,” says Martin Soegaard, CEO of Thales Denmark. “This partnership continues to allow us to jointly develop the next generation of mission solutions, making us an even stronger player in the naval field.”
CUBEDIN’s long-term aim is to provide commanders with greater operational flexibility through a range of interchangeable modules that can be swapped out or updated as needed. “We want each module to work seamlessly with the ship regardless of the OEM,” Martin explains. “Each time a module is swapped out, the software should adapt accordingly.”
Martin Soegaard, CEO Thales Denmark,
Future-Proofing Naval Architecture
“We envision future architecture where different companies with proprietary systems communicate using different protocols. We’ve designed an architecture where we can install drivers, ensuring communication with the system and data ingestion. In the future, we anticipate OEMs writing drivers aligned with specifications we provide.”
Since signing the MoU, CUBEDIN and Thales have expanded their relationship to include products from the Thales above-water sensors line. “The original idea was to integrate cutting-edge sonar from Thales with our software platform,” says Danny. “We’re now extending that partnership to include radars produced by Thales in the Netherlands.”
Broadening the Scope
The cooperation between CUBEDIN and Thales extends beyond underwater warfare to include above-water warfare systems. Thales’ multifunction radars and surveillance sensors, which cover a wide range of missions, can be modularized for various naval platforms. This enhances the adaptability of Navy ships to new asymmetric threats by upgrading their capabilities without lengthy refits.