Norwegian technology group KONGSBERG has launched two new sonars in its Aegir SSA family: the Aegir17 and Aegir57N. Designed for maritime security, navigation and critical infrastructure protection, both are market-ready and available to order. The family also includes the previously introduced Aegir57.
The Aegir17 is a long-range, 360-degree sonar for larger maritime platforms. Its lower acoustic frequency and larger transducer provide greater detection range and definition than the Aegir57, giving operators more time to assess underwater threats and hazards.
The compact Aegir57N combines navigation and security in a matrix sonar that directs acoustic beams towards selected areas. It provides detailed information about the water column and seabed, supporting forward-looking navigation in poorly charted waters and obstacle detection. Its design allows integration on uncrewed surface vessels, fixed installations and other platforms where space is limited.
KONGSBERG is also expanding its collaboration with US-based physical AI and automation platform Viam to develop and supply a virtual sonar operator for the Aegir SSA family. The AI-powered system will automate the detection and tracking of underwater objects, reducing the need for continuous human monitoring.
Designed particularly for uncrewed vessels and fixed monitoring installations, the solution will let customers use existing trained models or implement their own for specific environments and surveillance requirements. The project builds on the partners’ Sonar AI system for Simrad sonars, which detects fish automatically and alerts crews in real time.
The Aegir SSA family draws on 80 years of commercial sonar development. KONGSBERG has adapted the technology for maritime safety, security and infrastructure protection, using established production facilities and supply chains. The first commercial Aegir delivery is scheduled for November.
The expanded family will complement KONGSBERG’s broader maritime surveillance approach, which combines subsea sensing with satellite-based surveillance, coastal radar, drone detection and passive acoustic systems. Integrating data from these sources is intended to provide a more complete picture of activity above and below the waterline.
