The United Kingdom has received its first artificial intelligence powered mine countermeasures drone from Thales as part of the Franco British Maritime Mine Counter Measures programme. This advanced system is designed to enhance naval security by reducing risks for personnel while improving operational efficiency. The programme, established in 2019, led to a joint contract between France and the United Kingdom in 2020 to develop and deploy these autonomous drones.
Thales reports that the system is highly resistant to cyberattacks and employs sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms to improve performance. By incorporating AI driven automation, the technology minimises human involvement in hazardous mine clearance operations, ensuring the safety of maritime routes vital for global trade.
The Royal Navy expects to receive four additional mine countermeasures systems by the end of the year. Each system consists of an unmanned surface vehicle, a towed multi spectral sonar system, a remotely operated mine clearance vehicle, and a lightweight operations centre.
The development of the British unmanned fleet is progressing rapidly. On 7 March, the BBC reported that the Royal Navy had unveiled a new technology demonstrator in Plymouth as part of the CETUS project, funded through the British Spearhead anti submarine warfare programme. This initiative aims to mitigate risks associated with acquiring large underwater drones and their payloads while testing the potential of the XLUUV for anti submarine warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
The demonstrator, built by MSubs, is a 12 metre long unmanned submarine with a diameter of 2.2 metres and a maximum weight of 25 tons. It is designed for extended operations at sea, remaining functional for up to five days in its current configuration. Future modifications will allow battery integration to further extend its operational capacity, making it a significant step forward in underwater drone technology for the Royal Navy.
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