RAN to buy smart sea mines

The Royal Australian Navy will purchase new, smart sea mines to reinvigorate Defence’s maritime mining capability. The new mines will be supplied by Italian firm RWM Italia, a subsidiary of German firm Rheinmetall AG, and will be deployable from submarines, ships and aircraft.

The contract value hasn’t been disclosed but Rheinmetall says it is in the ‘low three-digit million Euro range’ with potential growth in coming years. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year. The quantity and types of sea mines that Defence will acquire remain classified.

Following evaluation of market options last year, RWM Italia was assessed as the market-leading solution, demonstrating the ability to produce the quantities of sea mines needed, and the technical capability to meet ADF strategic objectives.

Rapidly deployable and technologically sophisticated, the smart sea mines will provide a new level of deterrence to potential adversaries.

The contract includes provision for the transfer of technology and expertise to Australia to enable local manufacturing and maintenance of the sea mines.

This includes potentially providing electronics services and recurring maintenance; and potentially filling the sea mines with Australian-made explosives and assembling them in Australia, according to AM Leon Phillips, Defence’s Chief of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO).

“The reinvigoration of a maritime mining capability for the ADF will increase its ability to deter through denial any adversary’s attempt to project power against Australia through our northern approaches and protect Australia’s economic connection to our region and the world,” he said. “Rapidly deployable and technologically sophisticated, smart sea mines will provide a profound step-up for the defence of Australia.

“The level of technology involved in this acquisition will take our forces to the cutting-edge of modern military hardware. The sea mines will be maintained in Australia and some elements may be manufactured here, potentially including the explosive fill.”