The Royal Navy has taken delivery of its first uncrewed mine countermeasures vessel, RNMB Ariadne, marking a major step forward in autonomous maritime defence technology.
Designed and manufactured in the UK under a £184M million contract with Thales UK, the cutting-edge system will allow the Royal Navy to detect and destroy sea mines more efficiently while keeping personnel out of harm’s way. The programme supports over 200 British jobs across Somerset, Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Scotland, reinforcing the UK’s defence industry as a driver of economic growth.
A New Era for Mine Warfare
RNMB Ariadne, a 12-metre-long Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), is equipped with the Thales TSAM system, one of the world’s most sophisticated towed sonars. The vessel can be deployed from harbour or a mother ship to scan the seabed for mines, reducing the need for sailors to enter dangerous waters.
This capability forms part of the Royal Navy’s Mine Hunting Capability Programme, led by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). The initiative aims to transition from traditional mine countermeasure vessels to autonomous systems, in line with the UK’s strategy for next-generation naval operations.
Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy, Director of Maritime Environment at DE&S, highlighted the significance of the delivery: “This is a proud moment for all involved in bringing this transformative capability into service. It will not only enhance the Royal Navy’s mine-hunting operations but also contribute to UK security and economic prosperity.”
Boosting the UK Defence Industry
The introduction of autonomous mine-hunting technology further strengthens the UK’s defence sector, which has been identified as a key driver of economic growth under the government’s Plan for Change.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, said: “This marks a significant milestone in our mine-hunting capabilities. Autonomous technology will keep our Royal Navy sailors safer by identifying and removing mines while also supporting skilled jobs across UK industry.”
The programme is part of a joint UK-France initiative worth £361M, managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), demonstrating international collaboration in cutting-edge defence innovation.
Royal Navy to Transition to Autonomous Systems
The Royal Navy successfully trialled the prototype vessel RNMB Apollo in the Firth of Clyde in September 2024. Now, with the first operational system delivered, personnel will undergo training with Thales UK before conducting an in-depth operational evaluation.
As more autonomous systems come online over the next five years, the Royal Navy plans to gradually phase out conventional crewed minehunting vessels. This transition represents a fundamental shift in naval warfare, ensuring that Britain remains at the forefront of autonomous maritime defence technology.
Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales in the UK, commented: “We are incredibly proud to deliver this world-first autonomous mine-hunting system to the UK Royal Navy. With AI and advanced sensor technology, this innovation represents a new era in maritime defence and underscores our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions.”
Strengthening UK Defence for the Future
The delivery of RNMB Ariadne aligns with the UK Government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a longer-term ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament.
By investing in advanced defence capabilities, the UK is not only enhancing its national security but also supporting high-skilled jobs, ensuring the country remains a leader in next-generation military technology.
Image: ©Thales/Shaun Roster
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