Thales,
Neuilly-sur-Seine, France: Thales Underwater Systems is developing its research into mine warfare in support of efforts by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) to prepare technological and algorithmic building blocks for the naval mine countermeasures systems of the future.
In the area of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), the SACM autonomous minehunting system, and the VAMA autonomous anti-mine vehicle study conducted with Norway, aim to validate the concept of deploying uncrewed vehicles for mine countermeasures operations and improve operational control of such systems.
The two demonstration programmes have been an opportunity to define a long-term partnership between Thales Underwater Systems and the underwater robotics specialist ECA.
In addition, Thales Underwater Systems is pursuing work to improve mine detection and classification algorithms and technologies, particularly the use of new piezoelectric materials.
Thales Underwater Systems will draw on its most recent developments, particularly in the area of synthetic aperture sonars, to conduct this research.
The contracts illustrate Thales's leadership in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) market, particularly in mine warfare.
