Australia narrows the field for Sea 1905 MCM programme
The French firm Exail is one of two shortlisted contenders for Project Sea 1905 Phase 1. (Photo: Exail)
The Australian navy’s mine countermeasures programme is moving forward ever so slowly.
Australia’s Project Sea 1905 Phase 1, an effort to obtain a new mine countermeasures (MCM) and military survey capability for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), has made a step forward. However, the programme is still running far behind the schedule expected by contenders.
After an RfT was issued in late May 2022, vendors expected a contract to be awarded by the end of that year. Instead, the Department of Defence recently shortlisted two bidders, and a winner will not likely be selected for another year.
Shephard understands that Saab Australia and Exail have been shortlisted, a move that leaves
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?]()
Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?
New interceptors and launchers could help navies preserve missile stocks during prolonged escort operations. Yet lower engagement costs will only improve merchant protection if the weapons are available where ships need defending.
-
![Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes]()
Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes
With its B-26 USV in full-rate production, Blue Ops is seeking to turn overseas interest into orders through a combination of lower operating costs, UAV integration and local manufacturing.
-
![Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push]()
Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push
Chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine tells Shephard how Babcock is lining up New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and the US for its Arrowhead 140 frigate, speaks on the hybrid navy offer and talks AUKUS.
