Thales UK has handed over the first fully autonomous maritime mine countermeasures vessel, named as ‘Ariadne’, to the Royal Navy.
This delivery stems from the Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) contract awarded to Thales by the Joint Armament Cooperation Organization (OCCAr) in 2015.
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The OCCAr-managed MMCM programme is a Franco-British cooperation initiated in 2012 and carries a combined contract worth of £361m (€430m).
The £184m contract with Thales UK sustains more than 200 jobs across Somerset, Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Scotland.
The Royal Navy anticipates the delivery of the first four systems throughout the year, with each comprising an integrated suite of equipment and subsystems.
The UK Defence Equipment and Support-led Mine Hunting Capability Programme seeks to shift from traditional mine counter measures vessels towards the use of maritime autonomous systems.
The system, which incorporates AI and cyber-secured autonomous drones, aims to transform mine countermeasures operations by enhancing precision and safety.
The deployment of Ariadne is set to reduce the risk to personnel aboard ships and ensure the security of maritime routes.
Thales UK CEO Phil Siveter said: “With the introduction of AI and advanced sensor technology, this innovation marks a new era in naval defence and underlines our unwavering commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance the capabilities of our armed forces.
“The Royal Navy will now have a powerful tool to protect its national interests and maintain safety at sea.”
The autonomous system includes an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV), a towed sonar (TSAM), a multi-vision sonar (SAMDIS), a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and a lightweight operations centre (e-POC), all coordinated by a secure command and control system.
The USV RNMB ARIADNE, which is 12 metres in length, is designed to allow the Royal Navy to locate and neutralise sea mines more effectively and safely without endangering personnel.
Thales has also developed the Mi-Map sonar analysis application, which processes sonar data up to four times faster, thus improving the detection and classification of sea floor mines.
The platforms, which can be operated from a mother ship or coastal bases, are capable of handling large volumes of data, facilitating quicker identification and neutralisation of mines.
UK Defence Procurement and Industry Minister Maria Eagle said: “This delivery marks a significant milestone in our mine-hunting capabilities and the autonomous technology will keep Britain and our Royal Navy sailors safer by identifying and removing them from mines.
“It has also supported hundreds of skilled jobs across UK industry – a clear demonstration that defence is an engine for economic growth.”
Over the next five years, the Royal Navy plans to phase out traditional crewed mine hunting vessels in favour of additional autonomous systems.
