US Navy T-AGOS-25 Ship to Feature L3Harris Electrical and Propulsion Systems

L3Harris Technologies has secured a pivotal contract from Austal USA to support the construction of the United States Navy’s next-generation ocean surveillance vessel, the T-AGOS-25 class. As the sole-source vendor for the ship’s electrical and propulsion systems, L3Harris will be responsible for integrating advanced technologies that ensure operational reliability and mission readiness. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the modernization of the Navy’s surveillance capabilities, particularly in the realm of anti-submarine warfare.

T- AGOS -25. Photo: Austal USA

The T-AGOS-25 class vessels are designed to detect and track submarines using sophisticated underwater acoustic data, employing both passive and active sonar systems. These ships play a critical role in gathering intelligence and maintaining situational awareness in contested maritime environments. Their ability to operate silently and efficiently makes them indispensable assets in the Navy’s strategic toolkit.

One of the most notable features of the T-AGOS-25 is its Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) design, which offers superior stability and performance in rough seas. This twin-hull configuration allows the vessel to maintain a steady platform for sensitive acoustic equipment, minimizing interference from wave motion. Compared to previous surveillance ships, the SWATH design enables greater size, speed, and endurance, enhancing the Navy’s ability to conduct long-duration missions.

With a length of approximately 356 to 359 feet and a beam of around 104.33 feet, the T-AGOS-25 is a formidable presence on the water. Its draft measures roughly 30.12 feet, allowing it to operate effectively in deep ocean environments where submarine activity is most prevalent. The vessel’s displacement ranges between 8,500 and 9,000 tons, reflecting its robust construction and capacity for advanced systems.

Propelled by a diesel-electric system utilizing four electric motors, the T-AGOS-25 achieves a sprint speed of 20 to 22 knots. This propulsion setup not only ensures fuel efficiency but also reduces acoustic signatures, which is vital for stealth operations. The quiet nature of electric propulsion complements the ship’s surveillance mission, allowing it to monitor underwater activity without revealing its own position.

The crew capacity of the vessel is estimated at around 64 to 68 personnel, including specialists in sonar operations, data analysis, and ship maintenance. These professionals work in tandem to ensure the vessel’s systems function optimally and that collected data is transmitted securely to command centers. The ship’s layout and onboard facilities are designed to support extended deployments, with accommodations and workspaces tailored for comfort and efficiency.

Strategically, the T-AGOS-25 class plays a vital role in the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) strategy, particularly in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. These regions are increasingly contested, with rival naval forces expanding their submarine fleets and capabilities. By deploying advanced surveillance ships like the T-AGOS-25, the U.S. Navy strengthens its ability to detect, deter, and respond to underwater threats.

The vessel’s primary mission encompasses ocean surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and the collection and transmission of acoustic data. These functions are essential for maintaining maritime domain awareness and supporting fleet operations across vast oceanic expanses. The data gathered by T-AGOS ships contributes to a broader intelligence picture, informing tactical decisions and strategic planning.