As the threat from seafloor mines grows, naval forces are looking for agile, lightweight solutions that can adapt to different operating areas. The goal is to act at a distance, reducing exposure of ships and crews during mine-clearance missions.

Thales and French robotics firm Arkeocean have partnered to develop a modular, cost-effective underwater mine countermeasure solution. (Image credit: Thales/Arkeocean)

Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) address these changing operational needs. By relocating key functions such as surveillance, approach, and intervention, these systems open new possibilities for conducting mine warfare operations. For example, a mine countermeasure ROV can be controlled from a support vessel to approach a mine and enable remote neutralization.

Thales and the SME Arkeocean have launched a collaboration to develop a cost-effective underwater mine-hunting solution.…