The Royal Norwegian Navy has recently enhanced its mine countermeasures capabilities by receiving advanced acoustic minesweeping systems, known as SONAC ACS, from Finnish defense manufacturer Patria. This delivery completes Norway’s 2021 order, with the initial shipment received early last year, though the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
The introduction of the SONAC ACS system comes as the Norwegian Navy phases out its previous ELMA-AGATE minesweeping technology. The Finnish-developed systems are set to play a critical role in replacing this capability, ensuring that the navy can effectively clear minefields and maintain operational readiness in maritime environments.
Commander Bengt Berdal praised the SONAC ACS for its impressive handling performance and reliability, highlighting that it represents one of the most sophisticated influence minesweeping systems operational today. The system’s effectiveness stems from its advanced design, which allows it to closely imitate the sound signatures of various maritime vessels, making it challenging for mines to identify it as a non-threat. This characteristic is vital, as it can provoke premature detonation of mines, thereby enhancing safety for naval operations.
The SONAC ACS is characterized by its compact and lightweight design, measuring 260 centimeters (approximately 8 feet) in length. It can be towed by both crewed and uncrewed naval vessels, which adds flexibility to its deployment. When stationed on land, the system weighs between 400 to 500 kilograms (881 to 1,102 pounds), while its weight decreases to 180 to 220 kilograms (396 to 485 pounds) when submerged.
One of the standout features of the SONAC ACS is its advanced acoustic technology that spans a wide frequency range, from infra- to ultrasonic bands, covering 7 Hz to 70 kHz. This capability allows operators to select from an extensive library of acoustic signals or create custom sounds tailored to specific mission objectives. The system offers three operational modes: mine setting, target simulation, and mine jamming, further enhancing its versatility in various scenarios.
As the Royal Norwegian Navy integrates the SONAC ACS into its operations, it reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture and ensuring the safety of maritime passages against underwater mine threats.
