France has tapped Thales and Exail to improve its naval mine detection capability by delivering eight autonomous underwater vehicles based on the A18-M AUV. The order, which falls under the country’s SLAMF future mine warfare system program, includes equipping the vessels with Thales’ SAMDIS 600 sonar.
The deal, which includes an option for an additional eight AUVs, provides Paris with a sea-proven vehicle offering long-range precision and stealth and a solution that could operate in challenging environments. Exail will work on the vehicle’s autonomous system, cooperating with Thales to better maximize the SAMDIS 600’s offerings.
According to Thales, the underwater systemf eatures the Mi-MAP sonar data analysis software and artificial intelligence-powered algorithms to deliver a high level of detection and classification capabilities. The product captures images from multiple angles in a single pass, providing the French armed forces with advanced multi-view capability.
SLAMF aims to take advantage of the benefits offered by unmanned systems to improve the French Navy’s mine warfare capabilities. Gwendoline Blandin-Roger, vice president of the underwater systems segment at Thales, said data collection and advanced analysis are key to defeating an increase in sea mine activity.
“Today, autonomous mine countermeasures systems offer greater efficiency while protecting crews from the dangers of minefields,” the executive said. “With the new SAMDIS 600 procured in the frame of the SLAMF, the most innovative mine countermeasure program, Thales is proud to help operators in their decision-making for the benefit of their missions.”