Thales teams up with Kongsberg Maritime for the Royal Navy's future anti-submarine drone
Thales and Kongsberg Maritime will present a joint solution for the Royal Navy's future anti-submarine surface drone. The offer combines Thales' sensors, software and communications with an autonomous platform already developed by its partner, within a programme linked to the surveillance of the North Atlantic.
A joint proposal for the future Type 92 drone
Thales announced on 10 November 2026 that it has partnered with Kongsberg Maritime to meet the requirements of the Type 92, the Royal Navy's future anti-submarine warfare unmanned surface vessel (USV). The proposed solution is intended to combine Thales' anti-submarine capabilities with the Arctic Hunter, Kongsberg Maritime's surface drone.
According to the press release, the system is “rapidly deployable.” It fits within the Royal Navy's ambitions regarding the hybrid navy and the need to “detect, deter and defend in the North Atlantic.” The partnership thus concerns a joint offer in response to the requirement expressed by the British navy.
Thales sonar and AI, Kongsberg autonomous platform
Thales is providing its sonar technology, already used on the Royal Navy's T23 and T26 frigates, as well as acoustic modelling and tactical planning. The group also supplies secure military communications, enhanced by artificial intelligence developed by cortAIx, its AI accelerator.
The Arctic Hunter from Kongsberg Maritime will serve as the autonomous platform around which the integrated solution could be developed. Combined with British platform construction capabilities, this cooperation brings together, according to the press release, autonomous platforms, underwater detection, tactical intelligence and secure connectivity.
A partnership presented from the perspective of the United Kingdom and Norway
The press release also presents this partnership as a strengthening of military and industrial cooperation between the United Kingdom and Norway. The stated objective concerns the security challenges of the North Atlantic and the High North, as well as maritime deterrence and interoperability on NATO's northern flank.
“The future hybrid navy will stand out through the efficiency with which platforms are connected and the speed at which information can be turned into operational advantage,” said Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales UK.
