Saab test fires ROV-mounted mine neutralisation system

Coinciding with the first autonomous maritime mine counter measure system delivery by the EU's Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) to the United Kingdom, munition from its mine hunting programme was successfully fired at the Swedish Test Centre (FMV) in Motala Lake.

OCCAR said the aim of the testing exercise was to have a high visibility demonstration event that would reassure OCCAR customer nations, France and UK, of the progress made with the neutralisation process that would be delivered for the final system.

The munition was attached to a dummy target by a tele-operated underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

This successful trial was carried out in the presence of French and British customers (DGA and DE&S) and final clients (French and UK Navies). It was the first live firing exercise performed in a real “operational-like” environment.

Thales is the prime contractor, with Saab supplying the ROV and mine neutralisation system.

On 25 March, 2025, the munition successfully passed two major milestones namely the critical design review and test readiness review, allowing it to start its qualification phase.

After threat detection and localisation, the ROV’s aim is to identify and then neutralise the mine with the munition.