Netherlands Commences USV Design for New ASW Frigates with Thales FLASH SonarThe Dutch MoD has commissioned Dutch Naval Design to develop 12m uncrewed surface vessels carrying Thales FLASH dipping sonar for the new ASW frigates. The Dutch Ministry of Defence, acting through the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT), has formally commissioned Dutch Naval Design (DND) to begin designing a 12-meter uncrewed surface vessel (USV) for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Concurrently, the Dutch MoD cleared the way to finalize the procurement of a modified variant of the FLASH dipping sonar from Thales Underwater Systems France, which will be integrated directly into the USV platform. Dipping Sonar PayloadCentral to the USV’s mission system is an adapted version of the Thales FLASH (Folding Light Acoustic System for Helicopters) dipping sonar. Check out our video on the flash dipping sonar:Check out our coverage on Dutch naval programs including the ASW frigates and their USV: