Rheinmetall to provide Australia with smart sea mines
Australia is set to to get a renewed sea mine capability with a particular focus on defending its northern approaches. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
The exact value of the contract was not disclosed but was described in a statement from the company as ‘worth a figure of low three-digit million-euro range with potential growth in the coming years'.
‘The types and numbers of sea mines to be provided are classified, but delivery is expected to commence this year.’
In a statement the Australian Defence Force (ADF) AM Leon Phillips, Chief of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance added that the mines will be ‘deployable from submarines, ships and aircraft [and] provide a new level of deterrence to potential adversaries'.
Related Articles
Australian navy receives final Bluebottle USV
Rheinmetall buys Expal Systems to expand ammunition production to meet booming orders
Japan is developing a new small sea mine
'The reinvigoration of a maritime mining capability for the ADF will increase its ability to deter through denial any adversary’s attempt to project power against Australia through our northern approaches and protect Australia’s economic connection to our region and the world.’
The contract includes provision for the transfer of technology and expertise to Australia to enable local manufacturing and maintenance of the mines.
This includes potentially providing electronics services and recurring maintenance; and potentially filling the sea mines with Australian-made explosives and assembling them in-country.
More from Naval Warfare
-
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
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.
-
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.