KONGSBERG Launches Aegir17 and Aegir57N Sonars
The new underwater surveillance sonars come as KONGSBERG expands its work with US-based Viam on an AI-powered virtual sonar operator.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
KONGSBERG has launched two new underwater surveillance sonars, the Aegir17 and Aegir57N. The company is also expanding its collaboration with Viam to develop an AI-powered virtual sonar operator that automatically detects and tracks underwater objects.
Why it matters
The launches reflect a push to combine subsea surveillance with automated detection, as KONGSBERG integrates sonar data with satellite monitoring, coastal radar, drone detection and passive acoustic systems. Automating detection and tracking could reduce the need for constant manual monitoring of underwater environments.
The Aegir57 provides 360-degree subsea monitoring with detection ranges of up to 2,000 metres, while the Aegir57N is a compact matrix sonar with an Ethernet interface that supports forward-looking navigation and obstacle detection. The AI virtual sonar operator's detection accuracy has not been disclosed.
The players
KONGSBERG
KONGSBERG is a Norwegian technology company that develops maritime, defence and energy systems, including the Simrad sonar line.
Viam
Viam is a US-based company that develops software for robotics and AI-driven hardware systems.
The details
The Aegir17 is a long-range sonar designed for larger maritime platforms, while the Aegir57N is designed for navigation and security applications. KONGSBERG is developing the AI-powered virtual sonar operator with US-based Viam, building on the Sonar AI system already used with Simrad sonars to detect fish and alert crews in real time.
Timeline
August 2026: KONGSBERG introduced the Aegir57 sonar.
November 2026: The first commercial delivery of an Aegir sonar is scheduled.
The Tech Race
The virtual sonar operator extends KONGSBERG's existing Sonar AI system, which already detects fish automatically for Simrad sonars, into broader underwater surveillance. The move positions KONGSBERG against other defence and maritime technology firms pursuing automated subsea monitoring.
For maritime operators, an automated virtual sonar operator could reduce the workload of crews who currently monitor underwater conditions manually. The Aegir57N's Ethernet interface and forward-looking obstacle detection may simplify integration into existing vessel navigation systems.
The takeaway
Automated sonar detection is moving from fish-finding into broader subsea surveillance, and the November 2026 delivery date will show how quickly these systems reach operators.
What happens next
The first commercial delivery of an Aegir sonar is scheduled for November 2026.
Further reading
For more on the AI systems powering tools like this virtual sonar operator, see Artificial Intelligence.
