**Thales Autonomous Mine-Hunting System for the French Navy**
Thales is set to deliver the first production version of its autonomous mine-hunting system to the French Navy by the end of 2023. This system represents a crucial step towards fully remote mine warfare. Subsequently, a system for the U.K.’s Royal Navy is scheduled for delivery in early 2025.
**European Naval Strategies on Mine Countermeasures**
Both France and the U.K. are shifting towards stand-off mine countermeasures, a direction also adopted by the Netherlands and Belgium. In contrast, countries like Italy and Germany prefer maintaining crewed minehunter vessels supported by remote vehicles and drones. Chris Cunnell, Thales’s product line manager for autonomous mine countermeasures, remarked on the differing approaches navies are taking toward mine-hunting capabilities.
**Development History and System Components**
According to Cunnell, the fully autonomous option has become feasible only recently as Thales invested nearly a decade in developing the system, with sea trials commencing in late 2020. The systems being provided to France and the U.K. consist of a portable operations center, unmanned surface vehicles utilizing detection methods such as towed sonar, and remotely-operated vehicles for mine neutralization. The autonomy features allow for payload deployment and navigation by unmanned vehicles.
**Advanced Sonar Technology**
The towed sonar developed by Thales employs multi-aspect synthetic aperture technology, which effectively reduces false positives. Cunnell emphasized that with the system’s maturity and open architecture, it positions Thales’s solution as a leading option in the market.
**Global Export Opportunities**
Thales CEO Patrice Caine expressed optimism regarding international demand, noting that several countries are interested in acquiring the mine-hunting systems to ensure sailor safety. The company is currently engaging in discussions with potential customers, though details are not being disclosed.
**Collaboration with Exail and Future Deliveries**
As part of this initiative, France will purchase eight autonomous underwater drones from French firm Exail, featuring high-resolution sonar from Thales. The initial eight drones are expected to be delivered by mid-2030, with the first delivery projected for the first half of 2028. These drones will measure 5 meters in length and have a diameter of approximately 47 centimeters, weighing 500 kilograms, and will feature 10 hours of mission autonomy at depths of up to 300 meters.
**Evolution in Mine Detection Technologies**
Thales is also investigating new methods for mine detection, including utilizing lidar (light detection and ranging). This technology could work alongside existing methods such as sonar, particularly effective in shallow waters.
**Challenges and Future Applications of Lidar**
While lidar has potential applications, challenges exist in applying sufficient energy to ensure effective light penetration in underwater environments. Thales aims to utilize lidar for mine detection in waters up to 20 meters deep, particularly in shallow layers where acoustic methods face difficulties.
**Addressing Threats from Drifting Mines**
The ongoing conflict in the Black Sea raises concerns over drifting mines that can pose hazards. James Dickie from Thales points out that traditional detection methods, like personnel using binoculars, are insufficiently reliable, necessitating more advanced solutions.
**Integrating Diverse Sensors for Mine Detection**
Thales is exploring a wide range of sensors for mine detection, including electro-optical, thermal, long-wave infrared, and millimeter radar. The intent is to optimize sensor selection for specific operational contexts, thus enhancing detection capabilities in various environmental conditions.
**Adaptation to Evolving Mine Designs**
As mines increasingly incorporate designs that minimize acoustic detection, the potential of lidar and other advanced technologies, including quantum magnetometers, will be essential in addressing these evolving threats, enabling a more comprehensive approach to mine warfare.
**Author Bio**
Rudy Ruitenberg is a Europe correspondent for Defense News, with experience covering technology, commodity markets, and politics, having previously worked for Bloomberg News.
