Ultra Maritime to supply sonobuoys

Maritime February 5, 2026

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has formalised a £40 million contract with Ultra Maritime to supply sonobuoys for the Royal Navy’s Merlin Maritime Patrol Helicopter fleet.

This investment is designed to bolster the United Kingdom’s undersea surveillance and deterrence capabilities at a time of heightened activity in British territorial waters and increasing threats to critical undersea national infrastructure. As the primary sensors for the nation’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) network, these sonobuoys enable the detection, tracking, and deterrence of hostile subsurface vessels, forming a critical component of the UK’s maritime security strategy.

The Merlin Helicopter Force, based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, will be the primary operator of the technology. The force maintains a persistent presence through the Merlin Mk2 aircraft, which are deployed from 814 Naval Air Squadron to Royal Navy frigates and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, as well as the forward operating base at Prestwick in Scotland. Additionally, 824 Naval Air Squadron remains at high readiness to respond to emergent threats. The procurement of these sensors is essential for the protection of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, providing the tactical data required to secure the environment in which Royal Navy submarines operate.

For the UK defence supply chain, this contract represents a significant commitment to domestic manufacturing and engineering. The agreement covers the full lifecycle of the equipment, including design, development, and high-volume manufacturing. To support these requirements, Ultra Maritime has expanded its London-based manufacturing facility, a move that has resulted in the creation of new high-skilled engineering and production roles. This expansion strengthens the sovereign industrial base and ensures that the UK remains a key exporter of ASW technology to NATO and other allied partners.

Beyond the immediate delivery of hardware for the Merlin fleet, the partnership between the MoD and Ultra Maritime points toward significant future opportunities in autonomous systems. Collaborative research is currently underway regarding the development of miniaturised sonobuoys specifically designed for Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS). This shift toward next-generation autonomous ASW platforms indicates a transition in procurement priorities, offering long-term prospects for sub-contractors specialising in miniaturisation, autonomous navigation, and advanced data processing. By integrating these sensors into uncrewed platforms, the MoD aims to extend the reach of its undersea surveillance while reducing operational risk. This contract secures the immediate operational requirements of the Royal Navy while providing a clear roadmap for industrial innovation within the UK’s maritime defence sector.

Image: Royal Navy

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