US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) HMAS Huon has put its mine countermeasures equipment and helicopter operations to the test as part of Exercise Ocean Explorer, the navy announced on 13 March.
The mine hunter tested its Type 2093 variable depth sonar for accuracy and carried out vertical replenishment and personnel transfers with aircraft from 723 Squadron.
Ocean Explorer was a multinational exercise designed to test the navy's ability to conduct high-end warfare. RAN vessels Huon, Diamantina and Yarra conducted maritime advance force training in various locations around Australia.
Huon successfully conducted all validation trials of the Type 2093 sonar; operational analysis and reports are being compiled. The sonar can be operated in hull-mounted mode or in variable depth mode, with dual-frequency search and classification capability. In the variable depth mode both frequencies operate simultaneously, the lower frequency covering mid-water to surface depths and the higher frequency covering the seabed. The system has a detection range greater than 1000m and a classification range greater than 200m.
Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Jason Mullen, said: 'We need to be fully cognisant of our system's capabilities as this affects how we train and do business.
'The mine hunters ensure a body of water is safe for shipping prior to the arrival of the follow-on forces, such as an amphibious platform. Once the mine hunters, the clearance diving teams and the mine warfare teams have reduced any potential mine threat to a minimum, the amphibious landing can begin.'
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.