UK MoD selects Kongsberg Defence to study future mine hunting vessel design.

As reported by the UK Defence Journal on July 12, 2024, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced plans to award a contract to Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS for a study on the Kongsberg C2 Vanguard Design. This initiative, detailed in a tender notice, aims to investigate the feasibility of using the pre-existing commercial ship design as a foundation for the UK's Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs). This contract is part of a broader strategy to acquire up to three vessels designed to act as motherships for autonomous mine-hunting boats.
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The Vanguard Naval Vessel System from Kongsberg is a modular platform designed for diverse military and civilian operations, featuring interchangeable mission modules and unmanned vehicle integration​. (Picture source: Kongsberg Defence)

The contract will assist the MHC Delivery Team (DT) in developing and mitigating risks associated with a potential UK requirement for MHC OSVs. The study involves technical support and analysis to validate the commercial design initially proposed to the Norwegian Navy. The contract, valued between £150,000 and £300,000, will run from 1 August 2024 to 31 March 2025, with an option to extend for up to 12 months.

The decision to engage Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS is based on the specific technical knowledge, experience, and rights the company holds over the commercial ship design. The MoD states that only Kongsberg has the necessary expertise to provide the required support and analysis. The notice highlights that the participation of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS in this contract does not preclude their involvement in any future competitive processes for the MHC OSV requirement. The contract aims to demonstrate that a commercial ship design can be a viable option, enabling the MoD to ensure an open and fair competition in subsequent procurement stages.

The MoD also intends to ensure that these new ships are constructed to higher damage control and survivability standards than those of a merchant ship conversion, such as the RFA Stirling Castle, which is expected to be deployed in relatively safe waters around the UK. This decision reflects the MoD's focus on enhancing the safety and effectiveness of its mine-hunting fleet.

Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS describes the VANGUARD system as designed to ensure mission success in territorial waters surveillance and protection. The system is described as adaptable and affordable, featuring a multipurpose hangar that supports helicopters, UAVs, and USVs. The ship is designed for organic vehicle launch and recovery in high sea states, with the hangar optimized for new tasks and equipment maintenance.

The contract will be managed by the DE&S Ships - Mine Hunting Capability team, located at MoD Abbey Wood in Bristol, with Eleanor Thomas and Garry Ogborne as the designated contacts. Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS, headquartered in Norway, will execute the contract, with their Director Commercial, Synnøve Istad, overseeing the work.

This contract represents a strategic effort by the UK MoD to evaluate and mitigate risks associated with potential offshore support vessel designs, while maintaining transparency and fairness in the procurement process.