KONGSBERG completes Sonatech acquisition
Sonatech, a California-based company specializing in undersea acoustics engineering and manufacturing, has a rich history of over 50 years as a key supplier to the US Navy.
In light of the importance of maritime domain awareness in today’s security landscape, KONGSBERG’s acquisition of Sonatech enhances its role as a partner to the US Navy, opening up new growth opportunities in the US. Eirik Lie, President and Chief Executive Officer of KONGSBERG, emphasized that the complementary technology portfolios and expertise of Sonatech and KONGSBERG would expand the available systems and products in the US market.
Strengthening underwater capabilities
KONGSBERG’s expertise encompasses various areas including acoustic sensors, advanced navigation and positioning technology, autonomous systems, and sophisticated signal processing. This expertise is evident in its range of autonomous underwater solutions, such as the HUGIN family of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), which facilitate covert seabed intelligence gathering and are adaptable to carry customized payloads for an array of mission profiles.
Modern unmanned underwater and surface vehicles, integrated with cutting-edge sonar technologies, play crucial roles in missions such as mine countermeasures, underwater operations, harbor defense, and safeguarding critical undersea infrastructure.
Camilla Kiss, Executive Vice President of KONGSBERG and President of the Discovery division, stated, “The HUGIN family of AUVs offers a broad spectrum of capabilities, capable of operating from shallow to deep water with endurance ranging from a few days to weeks. These vehicles employ high-resolution sensors for quality surveys and can be missionized for defense needs. Our technology synergizes well with Sonatech’s capabilities, providing the US Navy with access to advanced products, systems, and solutions.”
As a vital provider to the US Navy, Sonatech is renowned for its advanced sonar and underwater communication solutions, along with its expertise in technical design, development, and manufacturing.
KONGSBERG has acquired 100 percent of Sonatech, although the transaction value has not been disclosed.
About Sonatech
Located in Santa Barbara, California, Sonatech employs over 100 skilled personnel. In 2024, the company reported a revenue of USD 33 million, specializing in the development and manufacture of customized devices, subsystems, and systems for transmitting, receiving, and processing acoustic signals through ocean environments.
