Don’t Kill the Navy Mine Countermeasures Triad
Don’t Kill the Navy Mine Countermeasures Triad
In this perceptive article the challenges faced by the US Navy in Mine Countermeasures (MCM) are discussed. Like many western navies the USN is looking toward new robotics systems and unmanned technologies to counter the mine threat. The significant risk is that as legacy systems are retired, there is a capability gap in MCM doctrine, tactics and experience. It will take time and experience to develop effective operations with unmanned systems as it requires not only effective operation of the unmanned systems but integration into a wider fleet capability. Embarking unmanned systems in different ship classes for different operations requires a totally different approach to the tried and tested capability that specialised MCM ships.
Like the USN Avenger-class minesweepers, the RAN Huon-class Minehunter Costal is the only asset capable of both mine-sweeping and mine-hunting from the littoral to deep water using a high-frequency variable depth sonar and Mine Disposal Vehicles. MCM ships have the endurance to sustain unsupported mine-clearing operations and they remain the only naval systems that can complete the entire search, localisation, and mine-neutralisation process with a high degree of confidence. MCM ships are specially protected from underwater shock and minimise the risk to personnel from mine detonations.
Mine Disposal Vehicles like the Saab “Double Eagle” operated from the Huon-class Minehunter Coastal provide unlimited endurance for mine disposal operations. BlueZone Group CEO, Neil Hodges, said the Double Eagle System had the “power under the hood” to operate in the harsh conditions of high currents and turbid waters faced in Australia. “Mine Disposal vehicles with positive man-in-the-loop control remain the only safe and effective way to neutralise mines,” said Neil, “They can be piloted with a high degree of accuracy to lay a mine disposal charge and achieve a clear mine detonation.”
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles offer no solutions in the near term for the all-important mine neutralisation task. Not only does technology present a barrier but the significant doctrine and tactics development required to operate a weaponised AUV cannot be underestimated.
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| A stern on view of HMA Ships Gascoyne (left) and Huon (right) rafted up with JMSDF Bungo during Exercise HYUGA NADA 18 off the coast of Southern Japan. |
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| HMAS Yarra Mine Disposal Vehicle Operations in support of mine clearance in Noumea. |
