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British Navy Receives Thales New Autonomous Mine Hunting System to Boost Sea Mine Threat Neutralization.
March 14th, 2025, marks the history of naval military technology as Thales, the global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber/Digital sectors, has delivered the first remotely controlled mine hunting system to the British Royal Navy. This set-up included several integrated subsystems fostering flexibility and adaptability from an operational perspective, such as an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), a last-generation towed sonar (TSAM) accompanied by an updated, new-generation multivision sonar (SAMDIS), a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and a lightweight operations center (e-POC), all supported by a secure command and control system and operated at distance from a Mothership.
The USV serves as the primary platform for the mission, offering the flexibility to deploy other systems such as the towed sonar and ROV (Picture source: MMCM)
The objective behind this technological breakthrough was to increase the security of the operating and commanding staff during mine hunting operations whilst maintaining or even increasing the efficiency of these lasts. The remotely controlled aspect of this system not only protects the lives of the staff but also the security of the mothership and any other vessels in proximity.
The utilization of the mine hunting system relies on the co-dependent functioning of the different components of the system. The normal unfolding of a mission would imply the deployment of the Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) equipped with either a TSAM and a SAMDIS or with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) meant to identify and neutralize submarine mine threats. The operating staff prepare, follow, control and evaluate mission developments from a Portable Operations Center (e-POC) or from a Shore Operation Center (e-SOC).
The USV serves as the primary platform for the mission, offering the flexibility to deploy other systems such as the towed sonar and ROV. It operates autonomously or under remote control, utilizing GPS and onboard sensors for navigation and mission execution. The USV can be customized to carry different payloads depending on the specific requirements of the mission, and it is built to endure harsh maritime conditions. It provides a stable platform for launching various MCM systems and plays a critical role in the integrated operation.
The towed sonar system (TASM) is an essential tool for detecting underwater threats, particularly mines on the seabed or floating in the water. Towed behind the USV, the system uses a multi vision sonar technology (SADMIS), such as side-scan sonar, forward-looking sonar, and synthetic aperture sonar (SAS), to provide detailed, high-resolution images of the underwater environment. This combination of sonar modes allows for the detection of mines even in cluttered or noisy environments, covering large areas quickly and effectively.
Once mines are detected, the ROV plays a crucial role in identifying, manipulating, and neutralizing these threats. Controlled remotely, the ROV is equipped with high-definition cameras, sonar, and robotic arms, which allow it to interact directly with underwater mines. The ROV’s precision and ability to operate in challenging underwater conditions make it a key asset in mine countermeasure operations, whether it's for disarming a mine or placing explosive charges for neutralization.
The lightweight operations center, or e-POC, is a mobile and compact command and control center that integrates and manages the operations of all deployed systems. The e-POC allows operators to oversee and control the USV, ROV, and towed sonar, all from a single, centralized location. The system is designed to be portable, making it possible to set it up in various operational environments such as ships, boats, or land-based facilities. Through real-time data integration, the e-POC ensures that operators have access to critical mission information, with interfaces designed for intuitive control and monitoring.
Furthermore, the secure command and control system is the backbone of the entire operation, ensuring that all communication between the various subsystems remains encrypted and secure. This system enables the fusion of data from all deployed assets and provides real-time feedback, allowing operators to make rapid decisions based on the evolving operational environment.
Together, these integrated components — the USV, towed sonar, ROV, e-POC, and secure command and control system — create a comprehensive and highly effective solution for modern mine countermeasures. The integration of autonomous platforms, advanced detection systems, and precise intervention tools enables the successful detection, identification, and neutralization of underwater threats, enhancing the safety and operational efficiency of naval forces.
The elaboration of such a system is the frutuous result of years of research and testing undertaken by the joint collaboration of the French and British governments within the context of the Maritime Mine Counter Measures program (MMCM), comprising unmanned systems operating remotely as stressed earlier. The MMCM evolves under the jurisdiction and supervision of the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) and in the long term, it aspires to present itself as a replacement option for Mine Counter Measures Vessels when they retire from service.
Its production dates back to the formal agreement between France and the United Kingdom in late 2010 and the awarding of a demonstration phase contract by OCCAR, set to be divided in 4 stages: A definition and design stage , followed by the manufacture of only two systems, then an evaluation and qualification stage, and finally a support stage including the optional assistance by the French Marine Nationale and the British Royal Navy in assessing the system’s performance over a 2-year period. Nevertheless, the real commercial production of the systems did not start until October 2020. Needless to say, the implementation and distribution of such systems are accompanied by a necessary shore operation and training center.
Overall, the new MMCM system will not only protect the lives of the operational navy staff and preserve the soundness of fleets around the world, but it will also protect the continuity of economic growth and international trade by securing the availability of maritime commercial routes worldwide. It is also a step forward towards the robotization of military equipment, and thus the future.