KONGSBERG introduces two sonar systems to expand underwater surveillance capabilities

KONGSBERG has introduced two new sonar systems, Aegir17 and Aegir57N, to expand its underwater surveillance portfolio for port security, maritime infrastructure protection and navigation applications.

The Norwegian technology group’s latest additions expand its Aegir Subsea Situational Awareness (SSA) product family to three commercially available models. The systems are designed for use across larger maritime platforms, uncrewed surface vessels and fixed monitoring installations, building on sonar technology initially developed for commercial maritime operations.

The launch follows the introduction of the first model, Aegir57, at ONS 2026 in August. KONGSBERG has confirmed that all three systems are available for commercial orders, with the first Aegir delivery scheduled for November 2026.

Aegir17 and Aegir57N target different surveillance requirements

The Aegir17 is designed for long-range underwater surveillance and provides 360-degree coverage for larger maritime platforms. Its lower acoustic frequency and larger transducer are intended to deliver greater detection range and definition than the existing Aegir57.

The Aegir57N, meanwhile, combines underwater navigation and security monitoring in a compact configuration. The system directs acoustic beams towards selected areas, providing detailed information about underwater obstacles, the water column and seabed conditions.

Its capabilities also support navigation in poorly charted waters. The compact design and Ethernet interface allow integration with uncrewed surface vessels and fixed surveillance installations.

The third model, Aegir57, provides 360-degree underwater detection at ranges of up to 2,000 metres. It is designed for smaller vessels, buoys and fixed installations requiring continuous underwater monitoring.

KONGSBERG develops AI-powered virtual sonar operator

Alongside the expansion of its sonar portfolio, KONGSBERG is extending its collaboration with US-based automation company Viam to develop an artificial intelligence-powered virtual sonar operator.

The system is being developed to automatically detect and track underwater objects, reducing the requirement for continuous manual monitoring. It is particularly intended for uncrewed vessels and remote installations, where operators may be responsible for monitoring multiple locations simultaneously.

Eliot Horowitz, Founder and CEO of Viam, said the system aims to turn continuous sonar data into actionable information that allows operators to focus on detections requiring further investigation.

The initiative builds on the companies’ earlier Sonar AI collaboration for Simrad systems, which applies automated detection technology to commercial fishing operations.

KONGSBERG said the expanded Aegir family forms part of a wider maritime surveillance approach that integrates underwater sensors with coastal radar, satellite monitoring, drone detection and autonomous underwater vehicles.

While all three Aegir sonar models are available for commercial orders, the AI-powered virtual sonar operator remains under development.