OCCAR Successfully Tests Saab’s Autonomous Sea Mine Neutralisation System

The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) has announced a major milestone in naval mine warfare technology with the successful live trial of a sea mine neutralisation system. The trial, conducted using Saab’s advanced remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with live explosive charges, marks a significant step forward for the Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) programme — an ambitious joint initiative by France and the United Kingdom.

About the Successful Trial

The live demonstration took place at the FMV test facility in Motala, Sweden, where a mock-up naval mine was safely neutralised in a controlled but realistic operational environment. The exercise was designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the Mine Neutralisation System (MNS), a crucial part of the broader MMCM system.

In this test, Saab’s ROV precisely placed live ammunition next to the mock mine, fully following the unmanned operational concept envisioned for the MMCM. Notably, this was the first time live ammunition had been deployed in such a scenario, and its successful use confirmed the operational readiness of the system.

This achievement follows a series of critical development milestones reached on 25 March, including the Critical Design Review (CDR) and the Test Readiness Review (TRR). With these accomplished, the MMCM programme has now progressed into its qualification phase, edging closer to operational deployment with the French and British navies.

How the Mine Neutralisation System Works

At the core of this system is Saab’s MuMNS (Multi-Shot Mine Neutralisation System). MuMNS is an advanced tethered ROV, designed to detect, identify, and neutralise underwater mines while keeping naval personnel and larger vessels at a safe distance.

The system operates from an unmanned surface vessel (USV), which houses a sophisticated launch and recovery system. The MuMNS itself is connected via a cable to the USV, which provides both control and power.

A key feature of MuMNS is its onboard Mine Disposal Magazine, capable of carrying three cylindrical containers. Each container holds a powerful combat charge, allowing the ROV to neutralise up to three separate threats in a single mission without the need to return for reloading. This ability drastically improves mission efficiency and reduces operational costs.

Specifications of the Neutralisation System

• ROV Type: MuMNS (Multi-Shot Mine Neutralisation System)

• Deployment Platform: Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) with integrated launch and recovery system

• Connection: Tethered (for control and power)

• Mine Disposal Magazine Capacity: 3 x cylindrical containers (combat charges)

• Combat Charge Type: Shaped charge warhead, capable of destroying various types of underwater mines

• Deployment Method: Telescopic manipulator arm with integrated lighting for precision placement

• Detonation Modes:

  • Remote detonation via acoustic signal

  • Pre-programmed delayed detonation for operational safety

• Operational Environment: Shallow and deepwater naval zones

Why This Matters

Naval mines remain one of the most effective and dangerous threats in maritime warfare, capable of closing off vital sea lanes and endangering military and commercial ships alike. Traditional mine countermeasure operations involve significant risk to human divers and manned vessels.

With the introduction of autonomous and remotely operated mine neutralisation systems like MuMNS, navies can now handle such threats more safely and efficiently. This trial not only showcased the advanced technical capabilities of Saab’s technology but also highlighted the operational advantages of unmanned systems in modern naval warfare.

The MMCM programme, once fully deployed, will make the French and British navies among the first in the world to field a fully autonomous mine countermeasure capability — a crucial advantage in maintaining safe and secure sea lanes in contested waters.