The Royal Navy has taken delivery of its first Maritime Mine Counter Measure (MMCM) system.
The new autonomous mine-hunting technology, developed in collaboration with France and managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), aims to enhance maritime security while supporting UK industry.
The UK’s first MMCM system includes the 12-metre Royal Navy Motor Boat (RNMB) ARIADNE, equipped with cutting-edge sonar and AI-powered automatic target recognition.
The unmanned system will eliminate the need for Royal Navy personnel to enter dangerous minefields, instead allowing autonomous vessels to detect and neutralise threats remotely.
The UK’s £184 million investment in MMCM has created over 200 skilled jobs in Somerset, Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Scotland, as part of the Government’s broader effort to support UK industry through defence contracts. Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, praised the programme’s impact, stating:
“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 mines. It has also supported hundreds of skilled jobs across UK industry – a clear demonstration that defence is an engine for economic growth.”
The system is part of a broader transition under the Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Programme, which aims to replace conventional mine-hunting vessels with advanced autonomous systems.
A New Era of Mine Warfare
The MMCM system features an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) that can be deployed from a harbour or a mother ship to scan the seabed for mines. Using Thales’ Towed Synthetic Aperture Multiviews (TSAM) sonar, one of the world’s most advanced towed sonar systems, the system rapidly detects and classifies threats.
The AI-powered recognition system refines vast amounts of data, enabling faster and more effective mine clearance operations.
Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy, Director of Maritime Environment at Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), called the delivery a “significant first” for the Royal Navy, stating:
“This is a significant first delivery for the Royal Navy and is a proud moment for all those involved in bringing this transformative capability into service. This project contributes to the growth and prosperity of our nation and will strengthen UK security through enhanced maritime operations.”
Strengthening UK-French Defence Ties
The MMCM project is a joint initiative between the UK and France, with both nations now receiving their first mine-hunting systems under the €430 million contract.
Jonathan Reed-Beviere, Programme Director of the Mine Hunting Capability Programme in the Royal Navy, highlighted the importance of the new system:
“This achievement is fundamental to the Royal Navy’s ambition to embrace Maritime Autonomous Systems, as the first Degree 3 autonomous vessel to be delivered into the hands of our sailors, furthering our dedication to removing personnel from the danger of operating within a minefield.”
With RNMB ARIADNE now in service, Royal Navy personnel will undertake an extensive training programme, led by Thales, before the system undergoes rigorous operational evaluation.
The Royal Navy’s move towards autonomous mine-hunting follows successful trials of its prototype vessel, RNMB APOLLO, in Scotland’s Firth of Clyde in September 2024. The trials demonstrated the potential for deploying such capabilities quickly and effectively.
Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales UK, called the new system a “world-first” in naval technology, stating:
“With the introduction of AI and advanced sensor technology, this innovation represents a new era in maritime defence technology. The Royal Navy will now have a powerful tool to safeguard national interests and maintain security at sea.”
The UK Royal Navy is set to receive four MMCM systems throughout the year.
