Atlas Elektronik to deliver further autonomous minehunter to RN
RMNB Harrier. (Photo: Atlas Elektronik UK)
The vessel will undertake minesweeping and minehunting tasks.
The Mine Hunting Capability office in UK MoD Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) has contracted Atlas Elektronik UK to deliver a further Atlas Remote Combined Influence Minesweeping System (ARCIMS) uncrewed Minehunting system to the RN.
The USV, RNMB Hydra, will complement four existing ARCIMS: Hussar, Halycon, Harrier and Hazard.
Hydra will be equipped with Sense and Avoid autonomy, a launch and recovery system and towed side-scan sonar.
C2 will be provided by a Portable Command Centre combining UXV autonomy software with Seebyte planning and analysis software.
Hydra will be delivered to the RN by late 2022, ahead of operational evaluation in 2023.
In 2021, Raytheon Technologies and Atlas Elektronik UK partnered to demonstrate an advanced minehunting capability blending the former’s AQS-20C advanced sonar and the latter’s ARCIMS USV to the RN.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?]()
What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?
Saab’s merger of its Kockums and Naval Combat Systems divisions into a single business area called Naval, effective 1 April 2026, aims to enhance efficiency, innovation and competitive positioning in the naval sector.
-
![Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions]()
Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
