Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
FarSounder’s 3D sonar systems have been selected for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s (RNLN’s) hydrographic survey vessels, the company announced on 30 July.
The company’s Forward-Looking Sonar (FLS) will provide the crew of HNLMS Snellius and HNLMS Luymes with real-time data that updates at every ping on their bridge regarding what lies ahead under the water as the ships navigate.
Snellius and Luymes carry out military and public safety operations, along with hydrographic survey duties in both the North Sea and the Netherlands Antilles. These duties include rapid environmental assessments, in addition to bathymetry and route surveys. The FarSounder FLS’ local history mapping capability allows for true real-time mapping of the seafloor. This map updates every two seconds and can be saved for future use.
The equipment will be installed as part of the vessels’ mid-life upkeep programme, being carried out by Damen Shipyards Den Helder.
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.