Kongsberg announced on 1 September that the group has completed the acquisition of Sonatech, a California-based company that develops and manufactures underwater acoustics systems.
"Situational awareness in the maritime domain is critical in today's rapidly changing security environment. The acquisition strengthens Kongsberg's position as a partner to the US Navy and creates growth opportunities in the United States. Sonatech's and Kongsberg's technology portfolios and expertise complement each other, and together the companies will expand the range of systems and products in the United States," says Eirik Lie, President and CEO of Kongsberg, in a press release.
Sonatech is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, and has more than 100 employees. The company has over 50 years of experience in underwater acoustics and has for a long time supplied technology to the US Navy, according to Kongsberg.
The business includes the development and manufacture of customised units, subsystems and systems that transmit, receive and process acoustic signals underwater. In 2024, Sonatech reported revenue of 33 million dollars.
Kongsberg's technology portfolio in this area includes acoustic sensors, navigation and positioning technology, autonomous systems and advanced signal processing. It also includes the HUGIN family of autonomous underwater vehicles, which can be used for covert intelligence gathering on the seabed and equipped with different payloads depending on the mission.
According to Kongsberg, modern unmanned underwater and surface vehicles with advanced sonar technology can support missions including mine clearance, underwater operations, harbour defence and protection of critical underwater infrastructure.