British Navy Receives First AI-Powered Autonomous Minehunter from Thales

The Royal Navy has officially taken delivery of its first AI-driven autonomous minehunting system from Thales UK, marking a major step toward the future of naval mine warfare. The vessel, named RNMB “Ariadne,” is a 12-meter-long unmanned surface craft equipped with advanced artificial intelligence for automatic target recognition. It can operate both autonomously and via remote control, significantly enhancing mine detection capabilities while reducing risks to human crews.

This cutting-edge system is part of a broader initiative to revolutionize mine countermeasures. Alongside the vessel, the complete minehunting package includes a sophisticated towed sonar, a multi-vision sonar, a remotely operated vehicle, and a lightweight operations center. These components work together to provide a seamless, autonomous approach to mine detection and clearance.

Following the delivery of RNMB Ariadne, Royal Navy personnel will undergo training before the system undergoes full operational evaluation. Once testing is complete, the minehunter will be deployed for active service, helping to secure vital maritime routes. The remaining three autonomous minehunting systems are scheduled for delivery throughout 2025.

Thales UK CEO Phil Siveter described the development as a game-changer for naval defense, emphasizing the role of AI and advanced sensors in enhancing the Royal Navy’s capabilities. This milestone aligns with the UK’s Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) Programme, which aims to transition from traditional mine countermeasure vessels to fully autonomous maritime systems.

The program is part of the joint UK-France Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) initiative, led by Thales UK and Thales France, alongside key industry partners such as Saab, L3 Harris, and Exail Prototyping. Under this €430 million ($469 million) project, both the UK and France will receive four autonomous mine countermeasure systems each. The UK has invested £184 million ($238 million) into the effort, supporting more than 200 jobs across the country.

Meanwhile, France has also made progress under its Système de Lutte Anti-Mines Futur (SLAMF) program, receiving its first mine warfare surface drone in January 2025. With these advancements, both nations are setting new standards for autonomous minehunting operations, ensuring safer and more efficient naval security in the years ahead.