Crown copyright

Dorset-based Atlas Elektronik UK has been awarded a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence to supply three autonomous minesweeping systems securing 25 jobs at the company and 48 more jobs in the wider supply chain.

The Combined Influence Minesweeping (SWEEP) system designed by Atlas Elektronik UK, will be the Royal Navy’s first uncrewed minesweepers and will be deployed by the Royal Navy to detect and destroy sea mines from a remote and safe distance at sea.

Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said: “This next-generation autonomous technology will be instrumental to our goal of protecting the safety and security of our personnel, while also reaffirming the UK’s unwavering commitment to improve the safety of international waters.

Using highly innovative technology, SWEEP will detect more modern and smarter digital sea mines, which target ships and submarines passing overhead.

Each SWEEP system comprises an Autonomous Surface Vessel that tows a sensor unit behind it, which uses magnetic, acoustic and electric technology to identify and neutralise different types of sea mines. The system is controlled by a portable command centre which can be based at sea or on land.

The technology, which has been developed in the UK, can be rapidly deployed by land, sea or air and will offer increased protection to military and commercial vessels.

Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) CEO Sir Simon Bollom said: “This cutting-edge SWEEP technology follows hot on the heels of the contract negotiated for equally innovative autonomous minehunters and provides the Royal Navy with the increased capability it needs to deal with modern mine threats.”

The first system will be delivered in late 2022 and will undergo operational evaluation before entering service at a later date.