Ultra Maritime has won a 40-million-pound ($54.3 million) contract to supply sonobuoys for the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk2 maritime helicopters, reinforcing the UK’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities amid growing undersea security concerns.
The contract covers the design, development, and manufacture of sonobuoys for the Merlin Helicopter Force, which operates primarily from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.
Sonobuoys are expendable acoustic sensors deployed from aircraft to detect and track submarines and other underwater activity.
The UK has emphasized monitoring the North Atlantic and surrounding seas, where undersea infrastructure such as communication cables and energy pipelines has become an increasing security focus.
Industrial and Autonomous Push
Ultra Maritime will fulfill the contract through its UK facilities, following recent investments in domestic manufacturing to support skilled employment and maintain sovereign ASW capabilities.
The company is also developing smaller sonobuoy variants for uncrewed air systems, aligning with UK and NATO efforts to integrate autonomous platforms into maritime surveillance and undersea operations.
Merlin Mk2 Helicopter
The Merlin Mk2 is the Royal Navy’s primary airborne ASW platform, routinely deployed from frigates, Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, or forward bases such as Prestwick.
Aircraft from 814 Naval Air Squadron conduct regular operational deployments, while 824 Naval Air Squadron maintains high readiness for tasking within UK waters.
Royal Navy officials have described sonobuoys as a core element of the Merlin’s sensor suite, complementing onboard radar and dipping sonar. When required, Merlin helicopters can also carry with Sting Ray torpedoes as part of the UK’s layered ASW approach.
