UK to purchase three Atlas Elektronik SWEEP autonomous minesweeping systems for British Navy.

According to a statement released by the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) on January 19, 2021, British MoD has announced a £25m contract for the purchase of three SWEEP autonomous minesweeping systems. The Combined Influence Minesweeping (SWEEP) system designed by Atlas Elektronik UK, will be the British Royal Navy’s first uncrewed minesweeper. 
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New Combined Influence Minesweeping SWEEP system for British Navy.  (Picture source British Navy)

Each SWEEP system comprises an Autonomous Surface Vessel that tows a sensor unit behind it. The unit uses magnetic, acoustic and electric technology to identify and neutralize different types of sea mines. The system is controlled by a Portable Command Centre which can be based at sea or on land.

The technology, which has been developed in the UK, can be rapidly deployed by land, sea and air and will offer increased protection to military and commercial vessels. The SWEEP will be used by the British Navy will to neutralize mines from a remote and safe distance at sea while on operations worldwide, keeping sailors safe.

Designed and manufactured by Atlas Elektronik UK in Dorset under a £13 million (US$17.3 million) contract with the Ministry of Defence, (MoD) and following a period of successful trials, the demonstrator of a new, unmanned minesweeping system was delivered to the British Royal Navy in August 2018.

The SWEEP will provide new technologies of autonomous minehunter solutions and will provide the British Navy with increased operational capabilities to counter modern mine threats. The first system will be delivered in late 2022 and will enter operational evaluation before service at a later date.

The SWEEP system is able to defeat modern digital sea mines which can detect and target military ships passing overhead. The sweeper system, which features a ‘sense and avoid’ capability, could also work together with other similar autonomous systems.