The problem of optimaizing multiframe targe detection (MFTD) performance si discussed. The MFTD problem is treated as a multiple hypothesis desision problem, and a ne optimality criterion for the MFTD problem is established. It is of Neyman-Pearson (NP) type which is extended to multiple hypothesis cases. An optimal solution with respect tot eh established criterion is derived, and also proposed is a suboptimal solution which reduces the compelexity accompanying the optimal one. The trade-off between the reduction of complexity and the amount of loss in the detection performance is also studied. The proposed algorithm is applied to an active sonar system and the performance is evaluated via Monte-Carlo simulations.