China: US Major General discusses future of Chinese navy
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The Ministry of Defence announced that the cutting-edge system has been delivered to the Royal Navy and will help reduce the risk to the life of British Servicemen. This vessel can be controlled autonomously from miles away, either from a ship or land, as users of the system will be able to detect and neutralise mines.
The boat also tows a highly-sensitive detection device to combat sea mines and keep ships and personnel away from danger.
This system was produced by Thales UK and was created under the joint Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme between the UK and France.
The system has already begun rigorous capability development trials with the Royal Navy.
It comprises an uncrewed surface vessel, towed sonar and a portable operation centre.
Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said: “This new technology is a huge leap forward for the Royal Navy’s autonomous capabilities in the detection of sea mines.
“These systems will keep our personnel out of harm’s way whilst they conduct vital operations to protect shipping lanes from these hidden threats.
“This is just one example of how we are putting innovation at the forefront of our future strategies.”
This anti-mine technology will sit alongside other MMCM systems that were provided through an additional £184million investment, agreed last year.
Commodore Steve Prest, Deputy Director Navy Acquisition, UK Royal Navy said: “It is exciting to see the first delivery to the Royal Navy from the MMCM project.
“The future of mine warfare is here: The Royal Navy’s Mine Hunting Capability programme is real; it’s happening; it’s delivering.
“We have a lot to learn about this transformational approach to mine warfare, but there is much, much more to come.”
Sea mines are a growing threat to the Royal Navy, as key military standoffs take place in oceans around the world.
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According to the National Interest, Chinese bombers are dropping bombs, conducting live-fire exercises, and laying mines over areas of the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
Vice Admiral Chris Gardner, Director General Ships at DE&S, said: “The delivery of the MMCM demonstrator systems to the UK and France is an important milestone for the programme.
“This is a powerful example of how the joint commitment of the two Nations to work together under the auspices of the 2010 Lancaster House agreement can deliver world-class equipment for our Armed Forces.”
The new mine-hunting capabilities are designed to eventually replace crewed Mine Counter-Measure Vessels, such as the Royal Navy’s Hunt and Sandown class ships, with autonomous systems.
Replacing these crewed vessels with autonomous mine-hunting ships will help save the lives of many sailors, prevent risks to ships and ensure that vital sea lanes are kept open.
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