RAN conducts advance force training
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.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine]()
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
![Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first]()
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.
-
![New deal to make AUKUS cooperation easier]()
New deal to make AUKUS cooperation easier
The AUKUS agreement will support Australia’s purchase of at least eight nuclear-powered submarines under pillar one. Other pillars of the agreement cover high technology such as cyber, unmanned systems, AI, EW, undersea capabilities and information sharing between the three countries.
-
![Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts]()
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
