US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
The US Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group 2 has opened a new EOD operations facility at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, the navy announced on 7 September.
The new building is part of a $39.2 million project that was developed in support of the EOD consolidation initiative. It will house EOD Mobile Unit 2, EOD Mobile Unit 12 and EOD Expeditionary Support Unit 2.
The EOD consolidation initiative is aimed at streamlining training and consolidation of the EOD mobile units to two main geographic locations while maintaining forward-deployed forces. The facility will serve as a more centralised location, keeping EOD technicians and support personnel together to better accomplish their mission.
EOD Group 2, headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, oversees all East Coast-based navy EOD mobile units, including one forward-deployed mobile unit in Spain; as well as EOD Expeditionary Support Unit 2, EOD Training and Evaluation Unit 2 and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2.
The EOD technicians counter explosive hazards in any terrain, including carrying out underwater mine countermeasures, exploitation and attribution of underwater ordnance.
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.