Next generation Autonomous Underwater Vehicles – A gamechanger in mine countermeasure operations

By Cdr Bjarte Haugsvaer RNoN

Message from the Editor

The author describes the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) developments in the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) and NATO that will revolutionise mine countermeasures operations in the coming years. A 25 minute read.

Naval mine countermeasures comprise three complementary techniques: minehunting, minesweeping and mine clearance diving. In relevant areas at sea, all three techniques will normally be needed in naval mine countermeasures operations. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), designed for minehunting operations, were introduced in several NATO countries more than two decades ago. Norway is considered a world-leading nation when it comes to the development of AUVs for minehunting. Existing AUVs have been proven for many years to significantly increase efficiency in minehunting operations. With furt…

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