As part of the MMCM programme, Thales and BAE Systems are committed to providing systems to both the French Navy and Royal Navy for two years of evaluation testing. Each system will comprise a USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) equipped with an autonomous navigation system, an obstacle detection and avoidance sonar, a threat identification and neutralisation capability based on ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), a T-SAS (Towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar) and AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles). The geolocated AUVs will use the latest-generation synthetic aperture sonar SAMDIS with multi-aspect functionality for improved classification. They will perform their tasks autonomously with control from a host ship or shore-based station via high-data-rate communication links.
- The MMCM programme is a key milestone in the transformation of mine countermeasures capabilities and the future operational use of unmanned naval systems.
- This major French-UK programme will develop a key new industrial capability for underwater and robotic detection.
- Split equally between the two nations, the programme will rely on innovations with an advanced level of technological maturity.
Our Combat Systems team
Our combat systems form the ‘brains’ of complex warships and submarines, which crew members depend on to operate effectively in the world’s most difficult and dangerous environments.
Our Combat Systems team has more than 45 years of experience in the design, development and integration of state-of-the-art naval combat systems for every major surface ship and submarine in the Royal Navy’s fleet and they’re in operation with more than 20 navies around the world.
The NAUTIS Command and Control system
The latest generation of NAUTIS will be at the heart of the MMCM programme. Its proven technology designed to combat the increasing threat posed by ever more sophisticated mines. NAUTIS is currently in-service with the Royal Navy, as well as the Turkish Navy, Royal Saudi Navy, Royal Australian Navy and other navies around the world.
BAE Systems has also successfully undertaken technology transfers with NAUTIS, allowing the software and hardware to form the basis of customer-developed command systems.
NAUTIS controls all the combat systems and platform equipment essential to mine countermeasures mission effectiveness, with particular emphasis on situation awareness, mission planning, precise navigation, minehunting sonar, unmanned vehicles and ship control.
