As naval threats grow more complex, there’s a rising demand for reliable and affordable anti-submarine warfare (ASW) solutions. Unmanned technologies are emerging as a superior option for maritime operations, offering flexibility, autonomy, and reduced risk to personnel.

Figure 1. Track Submarines in GPS-Denied.

The companies emphasized that their joint system would deliver a powerful new ASW capability: small-form-factor sonobuoys and receivers deployed from a long-range unmanned aircraft, enabling autonomous and cost-effective submarine tracking without relying on GPS.Figure 1 shows Track Submarines in GPS-Denied.

GA-ASI noted that the MQ-9B SeaGuardian offers unmatched multi-domain intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR&T). By integrating Ultra Maritime’s compact sonobuoys—half the size of standard models—the aircraft can carry twice as many, extending its operational reach.

These advanced sonobuoys will enable Multi-static Active (MSA) sonar capabilities, allowing for wide-area submarine detection [1]. In addition, Ultra Maritime’s new half-size acoustic receivers are optimized for unmanned aircraft deployment, providing improved performance and scalability.

Enhanced Submarine Detection in Contested Zones

The collaboration also brings more effective ASW in environments where GPS signals are jammed or denied [1]. The new acoustic receivers, coupled with advanced communications systems, will allow each MQ-9B mission to monitor a greater number of sonobuoys, enhancing detection and tracking in real-time.

Funded entirely through internal research and development, the integrated system will undergo operational demonstrations beginning in 2025 in the Indo-Pacific and other global theaters.

How Sonobuoys Work

Sonobuoys are small, expendable sonar devices used for anti-submarine warfare and underwater acoustic monitoring. Deployed from aircraft or ships, they act as underwater microphones that detect sounds emitted by submarines and relay the data for analysis.

With this collaboration, GA-ASI and Ultra Maritime are pushing the boundaries of unmanned ASW, providing the U.S. military with a next-generation capability to dominate undersea warfare—even in the most hostile, GPS-denied environments.

Reference:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-tech-could-detect-submarines

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), U.S. Technology Could Track Submarines in GPS-Denied, Hostile Environments, Enhancing Military Superiority, AnaTechMaz, pp.361