Unmanned underwater vehicle autonomously hunts down and destroys hidden naval mines

An autonomous underwater vehicle has completed an end-to-end mine countermeasure demonstration, bringing naval forces closer to safer and faster mine-clearing operations. The exercise connected underwater search, sonar-based identification, and mine neutralization within one coordinated mission.

HII and Thales conducted the demonstration using an integrated network of autonomous underwater systems and specialized mine-countermeasure equipment. The setup centered on HII’s REMUS 620 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and Thales’ Expeditionary PathMaster architecture.

The system followed a complete Find, Fix, Finish workflow. It allowed operators to detect potential mine threats and coordinate their identification and subsequent neutralization. The approach also reduces the need to send crewed platforms close to suspected minefields.

Autonomous systems hunt mines

Naval mines remain a persistent threat to maritime operations. They can restrict shipping routes, disrupt commercial traffic, and force warships to avoid entire areas. Traditional mine-clearing missions often involve several platforms and repeated deployments before operators can confirm a threat.

The integrated system aims to shorten that process. Its REMUS 620 UUV carries Thales’ SAMDIS 600 multi-aspect sonar to scan the underwater environment for potential mines. HII’s command-and-control software manages the vehicle and connects its operations with Thales’ Expeditionary Portable Operation Center (ePOC).

The ePOC serves as the mission’s central control hub. It hosts Thales’ mission management system and sonar analysis software alongside HII’s Odyssey mission management solution. Operators can monitor mission assets through a unified operational picture.

Once the sonar detects suspicious objects, Thales’ software analyzes the collected imagery. Its Automatic Target Recognition technology helps operators classify and pinpoint mine-like objects. Human personnel retain oversight of the identification process and subsequent operational decisions.

Finding and neutralizing threats

The demonstration’s final phase brought in Thales Advanced Acoustic Concepts’ ANGLER underwater effector. An accompanying remotely operated vehicle (ROV) rapidly reacquired the previously detected objects. It then conducted visual inspections to establish whether they represented mine threats.

The ANGLER system provides the means to engage and neutralize identified mines. This completes the mission chain without requiring sailors to approach suspected explosives directly.

The exercise also tested automated launch and recovery capabilities. HII’s Sea Launcher system deployed and recovered the REMUS 620, which carried the SAMDIS 600 sonar. This adds another layer of automation to expeditionary mine warfare operations.

Thales’ open Expeditionary PathMaster architecture also supports equipment from multiple manufacturers. Its NATO-compliant framework allows allied navies to combine different autonomous vehicles, sensors and neutralization systems. This could make it easier to adapt mine-clearing capabilities across different naval fleets.

Faster mine countermeasure missions

The demonstration expands on a 2025 integration exercise involving the SAMDIS 600 sonar and REMUS 620. That earlier work focused on sensor integration and underwater performance. The newer exercise incorporated mission management, automated target recognition, and mine neutralization.

“Together, we are giving naval forces a path to conduct these demanding missions faster, at greater scale and with sailors farther from the mine threat,” said Duane Fotheringham, president of HII’s Unmanned Systems group.

Sébastien Guérémy, Thales‘ vice president of Underwater Systems, said the exercise demonstrated how different autonomous platforms and specialized equipment could operate within one framework.

The approach could help US and allied navies reduce personnel exposure during dangerous mine-clearing missions. It also offers a more flexible way to deploy underwater systems across expeditionary operations.