Mine countermeasures without a crew: Royal Navy brings autonomous minesweeping system SWEEP into service

With SWEEP, the British Royal Navy now officially has a minesweeping system that works fully autonomously for the first time. An unmanned surface vessel and modular payloads make up the system, enabling minesweeping operations without a crew in future. For the British naval mine countermeasures modernisation programme, this marks a milestone in mine countermeasures.

Deceiving signatures, triggering mines

The purpose of SWEEP (Combined Influence Minesweeping) is to clear sea lanes of mine threats from a safe distance – “without putting crews at risk”, according to a recent article in Desider magazine from DE&S (Defence Equipment and Support), the UK's procurement agency. The system generates various magnetic, acoustic and electrical signatures that trigger different types of mines. This works even with sophisticated, digitally controlled sea mines that respond to warships based on their acoustic or electromagnetic profile.

The system is operated from a mobile control station that can be located on land or at sea. SWEEP thus mimics a ship's signature deceptively well and detonates mines in a controlled manner – keeping personnel and platform out of danger.

Mine countermeasures in the “Mine Hunting Capability” programme

SWEEP is being introduced as part of the Mine Hunting Capability programme led by DE&S. Through this programme, the British navy is moving step by step from classic mine hunting and the use of divers to autonomous systems.

Andy Lapsley, the programme's team leader at DE&S, explains: “These three SWEEP systems enable the Royal Navy to counter the global threat from sea mines more effectively and more safely.” He continues: “They strengthen the freedom of movement of British ships and submarines – fully in line with strategic defence goals that increasingly rely on autonomous technologies.”

Jonathan Reed-Beviere, the Royal Navy's mine countermeasures programme manager, also speaks of a turning point: “With SWEEP we have a dedicated minesweeping capability again for the first time since 2005 – and with a flexible, portable system that can be operated from land or sea. It protects our ships from modern mines and keeps our sailors out of harm's way.”

Developed in Dorset

Behind SWEEP is Dorset-based TKMS Atlas UK Ltd, formerly Atlas Elektronik UK. Its managing director Antoni Mazur is quoted in Desider magazine with the words “A proud moment”. He adds: “These systems are a testament to the innovative strength and industrial expertise of the United Kingdom. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Royal Navy in the transition to fully autonomous mine countermeasures.”