‘World’s first’ autonomous surface drone system delivered

February 10, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

French multinational aerospace and defense corporation Thales has delivered the ‘world’s first’ autonomous surface drone system in service with a navy.

As disclosed, Thales delivered the drone for mine countermeasures to the French Navy as part of the Franco-British Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) program.

The program is led by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) and under the aegis of the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).

The first system delivered to the French Navy includes a surface drone (unmanned surface vehicle (USV) equipped with the towed sonar TSAM for the detection and classification of naval mines. Its operations can be controlled from land, from a mother ship, or from an opportunistic vessel, according to Thales.

This enables mine countermeasure missions to be carried out while reducing crew exposure to danger, it was highlighted.

The compact 12-meter naval surface drone is designed to be air transportable, allowing for deployment within 48 hours aboard the airlift A400M, and can be embarked on the future mine warfare vessel (BGDM).

France will receive six USVs in 2025: 3 system-of-systems, each comprising 2 USVs, will be delivered to the French Navy, in addition to the prototype system already delivered and updated. The Royal Navy will also receive 4 system-of-systems, each consisting of one USV, during this year.

The deliveries are scheduled within the SLAMF – Système de Lutte Anti-mines Marines Futur (future naval mine countermeasures system) program, under which an advanced naval mine countermeasures system was developed primarily by the French Navy. This system aims to enhance the ability to detect, classify, and neutralize underwater mines, which pose a significant threat to naval operations and maritime security.

“The United Kingdom and France have set an ambitious goal: to transform their mine countermeasure capabilities by adopting new disruptive operational concepts. Thales is proud to be at the heart of this transformation, which positions both nations as pioneers in autonomous naval systems. Our Group, a world leader in mine countermeasures, reaffirms its position as an innovative and reliable partner that navies can count on to develop their strategic capabilities,” said Philippe Duhamel, Executive Vice-President, Defense Mission Systems, Thales.

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