Notable Point · 54:42-56:02

Why the sonar priority mattered for an ASW frigate

The placement of towed and variable-depth sonar in a secondary tier prompts a challenge to FFG(X)'s ASW priorities.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Constellation Class Frigates Naval Procurement Sonar Towed Array Sonar Uncrewed Surface Vessels Variable Depth Sonar

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Notes

The towed sonar sits in a secondary tier despite the frigate's intended anti-submarine role. The proposed alternative makes the best available sonar a primary requirement. Distributed uncrewed systems could eventually change ASW equipment needs, but the expectation here is that useful replacements remain 10 to 15 years away. Under this proposal, the ship would enter service with available ASW systems and retain capacity for later upgrades.