France’s Thales Group will supply the French Navy with sensors to be installed on the French fleet’s new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). This is the Bluewatcher sonar, NS50 radar and identification system (IFF) TSA 3522.

According to French media, the first offshore patrol vessel will enter service in 2024, replacing the Estienne d’Orves-class A69 Avisos and OPV54-class vessels.

The new vessels’ area of ​​responsibility will be within the French EEZ and will perform escort missions for front-line warships, including nuclear submarines.

As far as the Thales systems are concerned, they are expected to provide the best efficiency to the new OPVs. The Bluewatcher sonar is a proven system that offers high underwater detection performance and is particularly suitable for small boats.

The NS50 radar is a 4D multi-mission AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) for low/medium displacement vessels. It provides air and surface surveillance capabilities as well as fire control functions for naval weapons and missiles. It is able to provide accurate data for rapid target acquisition and engagement of incoming threats.

Thales’ TSA 3522 identification system (IFF) has been Mode 5 certified by the US Department of Defence (DoD) AIMS Program Office for deployment in allied operations with NATO forces. It is a highly reliable system that provides a comprehensive solution for identifying objects detected by the radar with absolute security as well as civilian aircraft.

“Thales is mobilizing all its resources and know-how to provide France with a series of advanced sensors based on the best technologies,” said Felipe Duhamel, Executive Vice President of Thales.

Also read: Thales | Unmanned surface vessel (USV) Apollo for the Royal and French Navies