RAN to roll out unmanned MCM capability
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is introducing deployable mine counter-measures (MCM) capabilities under Project Sea 1778.
Under Project 1778 Phase 1, Australian Mine Warfare Team 16 (MWT 16) will take up the role of operating a suite of AUVs, USVs, expendable mine neutralisation systems and MCM support craft.
The first equipment to be rolled out will be the man-portable Bluefin-9 AUV. MWT 16 is currently undergoing pilot training for the system on at Sydney’s Pittwater area.
MWT 16 will officially begin receiving its new technology suite later this year which will include four Bluefin-9 AUVs, three Bluefin-12 AUVs, two USVs for remote influence minesweeping, three MCM support boats, and the Seafox expendable mine neutralisation system.
The new MCM capability aims to provide tactical capabilities to reduce the hazard of mines in the littoral maritime domain for the RAN’s deployed fleet, allowing the navy to search for, classify, identify and dispose of sea mines more safely and efficiently and limit the danger factor presented when personnel are directly involved in mine removal and destruction.
Lessons learned from the introduction and use of the Project 1778 Phase 1 equipment will help inform development of future Australian Defence Force MCM capabilities
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![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.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
