KONGSBERG Launches AI-Powered Sonar Family To Boost Underwater Maritime Security
Our take
The recent announcement from Kongsberg regarding their Aegir range of AI-powered sonar systems signals a significant evolution in underwater maritime security, a development keenly felt given the escalating challenges at sea. The confluence of factors – rising piracy in regions like the Gulf of Aden [IMO Warns Of Rising Piracy In The Gulf Of Aden As More Than 90 Seafarers Remain Captive], increasingly complex geopolitical tensions, and the persistent threat of attacks on critical infrastructure – demands more sophisticated and responsive surveillance capabilities. The integration of artificial intelligence into sonar technology isn't merely an incremental improvement; it represents a paradigm shift, enabling real-time data processing and threat assessment previously unattainable with traditional systems. This moves beyond simply detecting objects; it’s about discerning intent and prioritizing responses, a crucial distinction in dynamic and potentially hostile environments. The simultaneous strengthening of defense ties between India and New Zealand [India & New Zealand To Focus On Maritime Security, Joint Naval Training & Exercises Under Defence Strategic Dialogue] underscores the global nature of these concerns, further highlighting the need for advanced maritime security solutions.
The Aegir system’s emphasis on situational awareness aligns directly with the imperative for proactive threat mitigation. Traditionally, sonar analysis has been heavily reliant on human interpretation, a process prone to error and limited by cognitive load, especially when dealing with complex acoustic environments. AI algorithms can be calibrated to identify patterns, filter noise, and flag anomalies with a speed and accuracy that far surpasses human capabilities. This is particularly relevant in scenarios like the recent attack on the Saudi oil tanker [Fire Breaks Out On Saudi Oil Tanker Near Red Sea Port Of Yanbu After Houthi Attack], where rapid and precise identification of threats is paramount. Furthermore, the ability to integrate this sonar data with other ocean intelligence sources—such as satellite imagery and acoustic monitoring networks—creates a more holistic and actionable understanding of the underwater domain. This integrated data ecosystem is key to transitioning from reactive responses to predictive security measures.
The long-term implications of AI-powered sonar extend beyond immediate security applications. The technology's ability to process vast amounts of underwater data can contribute significantly to oceanographic research, facilitating more accurate mapping of the seabed, improved monitoring of marine life, and a deeper understanding of ocean currents and their impact on climate indicators. The validated data generated by these systems can be invaluable for validating climate models and informing policy decisions related to ocean conservation and resource management. This dual-use capability underscores the broader value of such technological advancements, demonstrating how investments in maritime security can also yield significant benefits for scientific understanding. The calibration of these systems, ensuring both accuracy and reliability across diverse operational environments, remains a critical area for ongoing development and peer-reviewed validation.
Looking ahead, the convergence of AI, advanced sensor technology, and global data sharing promises to reshape the landscape of maritime security. A crucial question will be how to ensure the responsible deployment of these powerful tools, balancing the need for enhanced security with concerns about data privacy and potential misuse. The development of robust ethical frameworks and international collaborations will be essential to maximizing the benefits of this innovation while mitigating potential risks. The evolution of underwater acoustic environments and the potential for adversarial AI systems to mimic or deceive sonar systems represent ongoing challenges that demand continuous innovation and a commitment to empirical validation.
Unveiled at ONS 2026 in Stavanger, the Aegir range represents a new generation of commercial sonar solutions developed to meet the growing need for situational awareness around ports, critical infrastructure, coastal areas and offshore assets.
Based on more than 80 years of sonar experience, Aegir combines high-performance acoustic technology with compact form factors, simplified integration, and scalable deployment options ranging from small uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and buoys to fixed installations and larger maritime platforms.
As part of the Aegir SSA concept, KONGSBERG offers an AI-powered virtual sonar operator service that enables operation without continuous human involvement. The AI can be configured for specific missions and trained by customers’ own operators to retain and apply their operational knowledge.
Addressing a growing need for underwater awareness
As maritime infrastructure becomes increasingly important to energy security, transportation, offshore operations, and national resilience, operators require better visibility below the waterline.
Ports, harbours and coastal environments present unique challenges. High traffic density, shallow waters, drifting objects and potential unauthorized activity create risks that often remain hidden from conventional monitoring systems.
The underwater domain has become a critical operational environment for both commercial and government operators.-Helge Andre Sundt, VP Subsea Awareness, KONGSBERG
The Aegir family is designed to provide operators with actionable underwater awareness, enabling detection, classification and tracking of objects and activities beneath the surface while supporting safer navigation and more informed decision-making.
“The underwater domain has become a critical operational environment for both commercial and government operators. With Aegir SSA, we are bringing KONGSBERG sonar expertise into a purpose-built product family designed to enhance security, safety and operational awareness in demanding maritime environments,” said Helge Andre Sundt, VP Subsea Awareness, KONGSBERG.
Proven technology demonstrated in a live operational environment
As part of the launch, visitors to ONS will be able to view a live data feed from an operational Aegir SSA sonar installation located in the Oslofjord. The system is integrated on Fugro’s SEAWATCH® buoy platform connected to the Oslofjord Testbed, combining persistent offshore monitoring, real-time data delivery and advanced subsea sensing to enhance protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
Collaboration supporting innovation
Ahead of the commercial launch, KONGSBERG collaborated with Fugro to deploy Aegir SSA on a SEAWATCH® buoy connected to the Oslofjord Testbed, demonstrating how fixed monitoring infrastructure can support continuous protection of critical maritime assets.
Combining KONGSBERG’s new Aegir SSA sonar with Fugro’s proven SEAWATCH® buoy platform creates an always-on monitoring solution that helps safeguard critical maritime assets while providing operators with actionable real-time intelligence for faster decision-making.-Hompe Heijmerink, Director of Maritime Security and Surveillance for Europe and Africa, Fugro
“As the need to protect critical undersea infrastructure continues to grow, operators need reliable and scalable monitoring solutions that provide continuous situational awareness. Combining KONGSBERG’s new Aegir SSA sonar with Fugro’s proven SEAWATCH® buoy platform creates an always-on monitoring solution that helps safeguard critical maritime assets while providing operators with actionable real-time intelligence for faster decision-making.” said Hompe Heijmerink, Fugro’s Director of Maritime Security and Surveillance for Europe and Africa.
Announced major contracts
Earlier this year, KONGSBERG announced two major contracts reflecting growing demand for integrated monitoring and protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
One contract covers surveillance of Princess Elisabeth Island in the North Sea, where KONGSBERG will deliver technologies including drone detection radar and vessel traffic services. The other, for an unnamed international customer, focuses on underwater surveillance and protection.
As part of KONGSBERG’s wider portfolio, Aegir adds a dedicated subsea layer for persistent detection, classification and tracking around ports, offshore assets and other critical maritime sites.
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