French Navy Receives Advanced Marine Mine-Hunting Drone Under SLAMF Program

The French Navy has taken delivery of its first state-of-the-art marine mine-hunting drone as part of the SLAMF (Future Mine Countermeasures System) program. This development marks a significant leap in mine warfare technology and aligns with France’s ongoing efforts to modernize its naval capabilities. The drone, which includes a towed sonar system linked to a portable operations center in Brest, promises to enhance the navy’s operational flexibility and safety in mine-infested waters.

Advanced Specifications and Capabilities

The mine-hunting drone features a Thales-developed towed sonar system with multi-aspect synthetic aperture technology, designed to drastically reduce false positives during mine detection. This system ensures precise sea floor mapping and can operate in challenging environments, including sea states up to level 4.

Additionally, the drone integrates the M-Cube mission management system, which orchestrates surface and underwater unmanned vehicles for seamless operations. The French Navy will utilize this advanced system for uncrewed sonar survey missions, allowing precise navigation and mine identification in complex maritime environments.

Underwater Drone Integration

The SLAMF program incorporates cutting-edge underwater technology, such as the A18-M Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) developed by Exail. These drones are equipped with Thales SAMDIS 600 sonar, optimized for detecting a wide range of naval mine threats at various depths. The SAMDIS sonar boasts multi-view imaging capabilities, capturing multiple perspectives of potential threats in a single pass.

The sonar data analysis is further enhanced by artificial intelligence algorithms and the Mi-MAP data analysis software, providing high probabilities of detection and classification. This not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures faster decision-making in critical scenarios.

Strategic Importance for the French Navy

The SLAMF system is poised to revolutionize mine countermeasure operations for the French Navy. By replacing older mine hunters, sonar towing vessels, and mine clearance diver base ships, the program will significantly boost naval readiness. The primary objectives include:

• Safeguarding Strategic Naval Units: The system will help secure the operations of France’s nuclear deterrent force, including aircraft carriers and ballistic missile submarines.
• Protecting Ports and Naval Deployments: It will play a critical role in ensuring safe access to French ports and protecting naval force deployments in contested waters.
• Crisis Management: The system will enable the navy to respond effectively to crises and intervene in high-risk environments.

Franco-British Collaboration

The SLAMF program operates under the framework of the Franco-British Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) initiative, the world’s first fully integrated drone-based mine countermeasures system. As part of the €430-million ($450 million) program, a total of eight systems will be delivered—four each to the French and British navies.

The British version of the system, also developed by Thales, is undergoing extensive trials. Following upgrades and retrofitting, the first unit is expected to be handed over to the Royal Navy within the next 12 months.

Future Roadmap

The French Navy plans to achieve initial operational capability by the end of 2025. Five additional platforms will be procured, bolstering France’s capacity to operate in contested maritime zones and maintain freedom of maneuver.

The SLAMF program exemplifies the French Navy’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced maritime security. With integrated systems like the SAMDIS sonar and autonomous underwater drones, the program promises to redefine the future of mine countermeasure operations.

This innovative initiative will ensure that France remains at the forefront of naval warfare technology, ready to address emerging threats in an ever-evolving global maritime landscape.