Belgium And Its Remus Submarine Drone in Action off the Coast of Greece.

In collaboration with NATO allies on March 17, 2025, the Belgian Very Shallow Water (VSW) team took part in the annual Ariadne exercise in Greece to combat mines in shallow waters. This year, the team deployed advanced technology, including the Remus underwater drone, off the coast of Crete to detect and analyze suspicious objects on the seafloor.

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The Belgian VSW team joined NATO allies in the annual Ariadne exercise in Greece, focusing on mine detection in shallow waters. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)

On March 17, 2025, the Belgian Very Shallow Water (VSW) team joined NATO allies in the annual Ariadne exercise in Greece, focusing on mine detection in shallow waters. The team deployed advanced technology, including the Remus underwater drone, off the coast of Crete to identify and analyze potential threats on the seafloor.

As part of the exercise, the Belgian VSW team once again led Ariadne's Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) segment. According to First Petty Officer Brecht, an AUV operator with the team, this was a unique experience: "The goal of this exercise is not only to detect mines but also to strengthen cooperation between the participating countries. We work closely with Romanian divers, who use the Remus' imagery to physically inspect the suspicious objects."

First Petty Officer Brecht elaborated on the operational procedure: "We designate a specific area for the Remus to cover. Once deployed, the drone autonomously begins its mission, descending to the set depth, just a few meters above the seafloor. We monitor it continuously and retrieve it afterward. If unforeseen obstacles interfere with its navigation, we can dive to recover it."

The effectiveness of this operation lies in the combination of cutting-edge technology and the practical expertise of the allied NATO units. The Remus drone plays a pivotal role by providing detailed sonar images. In times of crisis, it facilitates the rapid deployment of teams to remote areas, enhancing the overall efficiency of mine detection and neutralization operations.

One of the key advantages of the Remus drone is its ability to scan areas that are otherwise inaccessible to ships. Deployed from a safe distance in dangerous zones, it allows for mine detection and demining operations to be conducted without the need for a ship to navigate deeply into a minefield, significantly improving safety.

Thanks to the continuous integration of cutting-edge technologies like the Remus, the Belgian VSW team remains at the forefront of anti-mine operations. The team is committed to shaping the future of maritime security through innovative solutions and unmatched expertise.