Discover SLAMF, The French Navy’s New Unmanned Mine Warfare System
The French Navy is on the cusp of a technological revolution in mine warfare with the introduction of the Système de Lutte Anti-Mines Futur (SLAMF). This cutting-edge unmanned mine warfare system is set to replace the aging fleet of Tripartite-class mine hunters, sonar towing vessels, and diver support vessels, ushering in a new era of naval defense capabilities.
A Strategic Evolution
The SLAMF program isn't just about modernization; it's a strategic initiative aimed at securing the deployment of the French Navy’s most critical units, including nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and the aircraft carrier. Additionally, it will protect access to French ports, support the deployment of naval action forces, and ensure safe evacuations by sea during crises. This versatile system can also operate effectively in contested environments, highlighting its importance in contemporary naval strategy.
Franco-British Collaboration
The inception of SLAMF is a testament to international cooperation. This first phase of the program, also known as MMCM (Maritime Mine Counter Measures) in the UK, stems from the Lancaster House military agreement signed in 2010. In March 2015, a contract was finalized between Thales, OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), and the two nations for the design, development, and production of prototypes—one for each country. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both nations to enhancing their mine warfare capabilities.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Each SLAMF system comprises two unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). One USV is equipped with a towed sonar, while the other carries a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). These components work in tandem to detect, classify, and locate mines. The ROV, specifically the Multi-Shot Mine Neutralization System (MUMMS) by Saab, identifies and neutralizes mines. Thales, in collaboration with its subcontractor Exail, produces the unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) equipped with advanced sonars.
The E-POC Advantage
In addition to SLAMF, Thales has developed the e-POC (Expeditionary MCM Solution) demonstrator, a highly transportable system designed for rapid deployment. This system will enable the French Navy to deploy underwater drones for mine countermeasures missions in diverse operational theaters. With its compact form—comparable to a large laptop with three screens—e-POC provides flexible mission management capabilities from outside the operational zone, ensuring the safety of naval personnel. The French Navy plans to utilize e-POC from rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), enhancing its operational flexibility.
Future Outlook
By 2030, the French Navy is set to receive eight SLAMF modules and six MCM motherships, known as “bâtiments de guerre des mines” (BGDM), along with five EOD divers support vessels, referred to as “bâtiments base plongeurs démineurs nouvelle generation” (BBPD NG). This fleet expansion will significantly bolster the Navy’s mine warfare capabilities, ensuring it remains at the forefront of naval defense technology.
The SLAMF program represents a significant leap forward in naval mine warfare technology. Through international collaboration, advanced unmanned systems, and flexible deployment solutions like e-POC, the French Navy is enhancing its strategic capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of its maritime operations. As these systems come online, they will play a crucial role in protecting national interests and maintaining maritime superiority.
The introduction of SLAMF and its associated technologies marks a new chapter in naval defense, promising enhanced efficiency, safety, and operational effectiveness in mine warfare.
