Enemy Weapons Detector in the Hands of Soldiers Five Years Early
•February 14, 2026
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Why It Matters
Accelerated delivery boosts soldier survivability and operational tempo while reinforcing the UK defence industrial base, delivering economic and strategic benefits ahead of the 2027 spending target.
Key Takeaways
- •SONUS delivered five years ahead of schedule.
- •System 70% lighter, deploys in under three minutes.
- •£18.3 million contract sustains 250 UK jobs.
- •29 SMEs join supply chain, boosting defence industry.
- •Enhances soldier safety via covert acoustic detection.
Pulse Analysis
The introduction of SONUS marks a significant evolution in battlefield situational awareness. By leveraging passive acoustic sensing, the system provides real‑time identification of hostile fire without revealing its own presence, a capability that aligns with modern doctrines emphasizing stealth and rapid response. Its lightweight design reduces logistical burdens, allowing infantry units to reposition detection assets in minutes rather than hours, thereby tightening the sensor‑to‑shooter loop and improving force protection.
Beyond tactical advantages, the early procurement underscores the UK government’s commitment to a resilient defence industrial ecosystem. The £18.3 million award secures 250 jobs across the country and brings 29 small and medium‑sized enterprises into the supply chain, directly supporting the Defence Industrial Strategy’s goal of turning defence into an engine for growth. By fast‑tracking the contract through the LAND ISTAR Team and Task Force RAPSTONE, the Ministry of Defence demonstrates how procurement reforms can accelerate delivery of critical capabilities while stimulating domestic innovation.
Strategically, SONUS enhances the UK’s contribution to NATO’s collective security architecture. With over 40 years of acoustic detection expertise, Leonardo’s system is already fielded by more than a dozen allied forces, facilitating interoperability and data sharing across coalition partners. As defence budgets rise to 2.6% of GDP by 2027, technologies that improve lethality, survivability, and cost‑effectiveness will shape future acquisition priorities, making early adopters like the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery a benchmark for modernised, sensor‑rich forces.
Enemy weapons detector in the hands of soldiers five years early
Key Highlights
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250 jobs across the country sustained after new contract signed with Leonardo UK.
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System to be in soldiers’ hands five years ahead of schedule, with rollout to frontline troops within 12 months.
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29 UK SMEs to benefit as part of the supply chain, helping to make UK defence an engine for growth.
British soldiers will be able to more aggressively hunt, detect, and locate hostile gunfire, as well as receive a further layer of protection on the battlefield, with the early delivery of new technology.
Through SONUS – a new system to detect enemy weapons – UK forces will now have access to a capability that weighs 70 % less than its predecessor, making it easier to transport and able to deploy in under three minutes.
SONUS works by detecting acoustic pressure waves from gunfire, mortars and explosions.
This form of detection means the system can operate covertly, without emitting an electronic signature, helping troops to avoid enemy fire. It will also enable soldiers to identify targets faster and more accurately, meaning they can take evasive or offensive action more effectively.
Defence supplier Leonardo UK have been awarded the £18.3 million contract by the Army five years earlier than originally planned. The works sustain 250 jobs across the UK, notably at Leonardo’s Basildon site, as well as through 29 small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs).
The procurement is happening as part of the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6 % of GDP from 2027.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, said:
“We’ve accelerated our procurement of this equipment by five years to provide additional layers of safety for our personnel through more durable, lightweight systems in a new era of threat.
Making defence an engine for growth is a key priority for this government and this deal sustains jobs across the UK, benefits multiple SMEs and boosts our Armed Forces.”
The SONUS platforms will be delivered to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, the British Army’s dedicated Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment, over the next 12 months.
Brigadier M Birch, Senior Responsible Owner for the Land ISTAR Programme, said:
“This investment in Leonardo’s SONUS Acoustic Weapon Locating System demonstrates the Army’s commitment to delivering cutting‑edge technology to the front line.
It will significantly enhance our ability to protect our people and respond to emerging threats, ensuring the Army remains ready to meet the challenges of the future.”
Olly Manning, Vice President Mission Systems at Leonardo, said:
“Leonardo has over 40 years of experience in passive acoustic weapon‑locating technology, with battle‑proven systems that have seen operational use with over 13 armed forces – many of whom are NATO members.
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.”
The investment helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) – improving warfighting readiness, strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base, and making defence an engine for growth.
Through procurement reforms, the Army prioritised fast‑tracking important weapon‑locating systems as part of the Army’s initiative to modernise and double their lethality by 2027. Its accelerated delivery was achieved by the LAND ISTAR Team, working with Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and Task Force RAPSTONE.
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