How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
A new AI tool designed to enhance SAR missions for the RAN and RAAF has begun the second phase of development.
AI-Search is a prototype which uses sensor and processor systems and is highly portable. These sensors are trained to detect orange clothing rather than black clothing, producing a detection rate of 70% compared to the 50% rate achieved by the naked human eye.
The size of the sensors and systems will allow them to be fitted to a range of platforms including rotary-wing aircraft, naval vessels and UASs.
In the second stage of development, these systems will be tested in a variety of environmental conditions. Activities may include testing on a range of aircraft, according to Wg Cdr Michael Gan of the RAAF’s Plan Jericho research team.
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
Multiple USV programme milestones announced last week, aligned with a reinforcement of the Royal Navy’s vision for a hybrid fleet, point to innovation-led ambition but also to a structural calculation with resource ceilings that neither London nor Washington can ignore.
Sweden’s Luleå frigate programme is gathering momentum, with a Saab and Babcock joint proposal and Navantia and Naval Group each presenting distinct propositions for a quartet of warships.
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
After recording a nearly six-year delay in the OPC schedule, the USCG intends to advance with the programme, reaching multiple milestones in the short term.
Australia’s selection of an upgraded Mogami-class frigate marks Japan’s first-ever export of a major surface combatant. With an ambitious 2029 delivery target, the deal could open the door to further naval exports – but inexperience and geopolitical friction with China loom large.