Growing Interest in Light AUVs for MCM Operations

ECA Group revealed on 2 June that it has won an order from a further NATO Navy for its A9-M light Autonomous Underwater Vessel (AUV). The company received an earlier order in 2015 from another NATO Navy for the vessel – which has been in French Navy service since 2013.

The new order confirms the growing interest in light weight AUVs for mine countermeasures (MCM) operations. The A9-M has been specifically designed for the MCM mission and complies with the most demanding specifications of NATO navies. Featuring very low magnetic and acoustic signatures, the vessel can easily be deployed from small craft and operates safely in close proximity to the most sensitive mines.

The A9-M can also be offered as part of an integrated MCM solution based on unmanned systems. ECA can integrate the system with sister vessels of varying capabilities such as the A18-M, A27-M, K-STER C and SEASCAN MK2, offering a range of tailored solutions for mine detection, identification, neutralisation and disposal.