Abstract:Underwater acoustic detection technology is the most important research direction on underwater acoustic signal processing and sonar filed, and is the key technology on marine applications for environment aware, ocean surveillance, resource exploration, information acquisition and so on. This paper gives a brief introduction on the current status of underwater acoustic detection. With scientific problems in practice, the new concept, new method, and new trend of this field are presented. Subsequently, the important effect of underwater acoustic detection development on national security and economic progress is analyzed and prospected.