Leonardo’s SONUS acoustic detector is heading to the British Army, giving the service a next-gen system for tracking gunfire and explosions without revealing its own position.
The system is the latest addition to the Italian firm’s Hostile Artillery Location (HALO) system, designed to pick up acoustic waves from enemy weapons and pinpoint their origin.
SONUS is 50 percent smaller and 70 percent lighter than previous HALO models, flaunting a more compact, power-efficient design that extends operational life in the field.
It is engineered with an open architecture, making it compatible with other systems and enabling future upgrades without affecting integrated platforms.
Integrated GPS microphones let soldiers set up the system in under three minutes while remaining safe in hostile conditions.
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with the British Army to ensure SONUS provides them with an accurate, robust, and reliable passive detection system that will keep our Armed Forces safe — now and into the future,” said Olly Manning, vice president of Mission Systems at Leonardo.
Proven Capabilities
The wider HALO system has already been fielded by six NATO countries and tested in combat zones including Afghanistan and Ukraine.
The latest version will be supplied to the British Army under an 18-million pound ($25-million) contract as part of Project SERPENS.
Brigadier Matthew Birch said the investment “demonstrates the army’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to the frontline,” adding that it will improve the service’s ability to protect UK citizens and respond to evolving threats.
Leonardo is scheduled to deliver SONUS units to the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery over a 12-month period.
