Group : Sonar Systems
Status : Active
Origin : France
Contractor : Thales Naval Systems
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2008
Total Production : ?

The Thales DUBM-44 is an advanced mine hunting sonar utilizing sidescan synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) technology which allows to detect objects measuring a few centimeters at ranges of up to 150 meters. The French Navy ordered its development as a replacement for aging DUBM-41 sonar systems equipping the BRS sonar vessels (Batiments Remorqueurs de Sonar) for surveillance of the approaches to Brest Naval Base and protection of the SSBN fleet. The DUBM-44 delivers real-time, highly reliable, high-resolution underwater imagery with enhanced mine classification capability maintaining thus surveillance at depths down to 200 meters. Its active towed body features high-performance bottom tracking function reinforces operational security. Several navies worldwide have expressed their interest in the new mine hunting sonar system.