February 14, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Enemy weapons detector in the hands of soldiers five years early
New acoustic weapon detection system will help keep soldier safe on the battlefield by helping to locate and target positions of enemy gunfire, mortars and explostions.
250 jobs across the country sustained after new contract signed with Leonardo UK. System to be in soldiers’ hands five years ahead of schedule, with rollout to frontline troops within 12 months. 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.