The Indian Navy is to receive active towed array sonar systems from Atlas Elektronik of Germany beginning in 2016.

The deal for six of the systems is worth nearly $49.4 million, the company said.

The towed array sonar, or ACTAS, operates in the low-frequency range and is effective up to about 32 miles or more, depending on the sound propagation conditions of the water.

In addition to detecting and tracking submarines, the systems by Atlas can also locate and track surface vessels in the same sonar search area.

"The signing of the contract confirms the pronounced competence in hydro-acoustics of Atlas Elektronik as a leading supplier of maritime electronic systems in the international market," the company said.

Additional details of the contract and the specifications of the sonar systems were not disclosed.

Atlas Elektronik, headquartered in the city of Bremen, is a joint venture company of ThyssenKrupp and Airbus Defense and Space.