New Unmanned Ship With 99% Mine Detection Rate Delivered To French Navy

Naval Forces of France welcomed a new unmanned vessel in their fleet, but what makes it unique is its 99% mine detection rate, making it extremely accurate, thus decreasing the sailors’ exposure to dangerous marine environments.

Developed by Thales, it has a TSAM towed sonar and a SAMDIS multi-view sonar.

Sébastien Guérémy, Vice-President in charge of the Underwater Systems activities at Thales, said that the company is supporting the French Navy in meeting the challenges of transition to a new operational concept for mine countermeasures.

He added that their new autonomous system improves mission efficiency while reducing exposure of vessel crews to mine-related risks.

The naval drone has advanced sensors and is said to be strong in the face of cyber threats while conducting sensitive operations.

The system can plan the missions, and its data analysis software can easily optimize work and workload of operators.

The autonomous surface drone system is quite capable for defence operations, while integrating several technical and software innovations, per Thales.

Over 3000 hours of trials were conducted to adapt the systems to meet the operational requirements.

The first production system was delivered in 2024, which included a surface drone with towed sonar TSAM, data analysis software using AI, MiMap and the M-Cube mission management system.

Thales is upgrading the prototypes of surface drones with the help of Couach Shipyard. The drones have also been previously tested by the Royal Navy and the French Navy.

The delivery of the new drone is part of the Franco-British Maritime Mine Counter Measures MMCM programme.

It is aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Navy, with the help of its M-Cube software designed for the integration of drones, sensors and innovative AI algorithms, decreasing the load of operators.

This programme is the result of unwavering commitment and a source of pride for our teams,” added Guérémy.

Source: Maritime Shipping News