SaaB comBattinG Sea threatS with UnmanneD SoLUtionS

saab Multi-shot Mine neutralisation systeM(MuMns)

combattinG Sea tHreatS witH Unmanned SolUtionS

Saab’s Double EagleMkIV can be an effective addition to India’s Mine Counter Measure (MCM) capabilities, says Ola Rignell, Managing Director, Saab India

More than 90 per cent of the world’s trade happens by sea, so any disruptions to the global flow can have serious consequences. The Indian Ocean Region is an important Sea Lines of Communication as it is both energy and trade corridor. Sea mines are an inexpensive but low-tech weapon that can cause havoc with trade and communication. Since the end of the Second World War, more ships have been lost to one maritime weapon than any other. But it’s not anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, or terrorist attacks; it is sea mines. Not having minesweeping capabilities can have deadly consequences as even modified fishing trawlers can be used for laying mines. Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing is one of the gravest nontraditional global maritime security threats which can now also be used to lay mines. Modern mine reconnaissance and mine disposal demand a multifunctional Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that can operate in extreme environments and cope with advanced mines. Saab’s new MuMNS (Multi-Shot Mine Neutralisation System) could be a breakthrough in countering mine warfare.

According to Ola Rignell, Managing Director, Saab India, “With Indian Navy looking to enhance their Mine Counter Measure (MCM) capabilities by acquiring mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) that can be built in India, Saab’s Double EagleMkIV can be an effective addition to India’s MCM suite. Not only is it designed to handle modern sea mines, the modularity of the design allows the operator to utilise the vehicles for both mine detection and mine disposal. The stability of the vehicle simplifies these missions. MuMNS including the Double Eagle MkIV has also been adapted to the Craft Of Opportunities (COOP), where it can be housed in a container that can be easily installed on almost any type of ship.”

Continued on page 17...