ECA Group unveils A18-M AUV for MCM
ECA Group has introduced a new mid-size autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), A18-M, for mine counter measure (MCM) operations, the company announced on 26 February.
The A18-M is designed for mine detection in water depths up to 300 metres. It can operate in close vicinity of smart mines without triggering them.
The A18-M can be deployed from small naval platforms, including unmanned surface vessels (USV). The AUV’s embedded processing allows it to process sonar image raw data in real time and extract a list of contacts which are relayed back to the command center using an advanced communication network, with a USV or UAS acting as gateway. These contacts are then reviewed by sonar operators onboard a mothership or onshore.
The AUV is also able to detect hazards such as improvised explosive devices and pollutants, and provide accurate maps of the seabed that allows the environment to be assessed with high fidelity.
The AUV A18-M integrates synthetic aperture sonar and has high area coverage rate of around two square kilometres per hour. This optimal configuration enables it to cover large areas of around 20-40 square kilometres, depending on transit distance, in short timescales with superior image quality and reduced risk to personnel.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures]()
Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven another stage of evolution for drones and the counter measures to defend against them.
-
![L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms]()
L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms
The new Amorphous software is a universal controller that would allow a single operator to control a swarm of “thousands” of uncrewed systems, from drones to underwater platforms.
-
![ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025]()
ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025
India UAV supplier ideaForge has launched the Netra 5 and Switch V2 drones at Aero India 2025, boasting of enhanced endurance, AI-driven autonomy and improved operational capabilities.
-
![Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market]()
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market
The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
