Thales has delivered a cutting-edge unmanned surface vehicle (USV) to the French Navy, bringing next-generation sonar to maritime mine detection.
The USV pairs the Towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar Module (TSAM) with an onboard Surface and Multi-Domain Integrated Sonar (SAMDIS), delivering a “first-of-its-kind” capability for precision mine-hunting at sea.
The effort is part of the Franco-British Maritime Mine Counter Measures program, managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation with backing from France’s Directorate General of Armament and the UK Ministry of Defence.
This follows the first production system delivered in December 2024, which included the USV, TSAM sonar, MiMap AI-driven sonar analysis software, and the M-Cube mission management system.
“Thales is supporting the French Navy to meet the challenges of the transition towards a new operational concept for mine countermeasures,” said Sébastien Guérémy, Vice-President in charge of the Underwater Systems activities at Thales.
“This programme, a world first, is the result of unwavering commitment and a source of pride for our teams.”
A High-Tech Arsenal
The USV is built to boost operational performance, reaching a reported mine detection rate of over 99 percent.
After more than 3,000 hours of sea trials and refined with end-user feedback, the system now incorporates upgrades developed in collaboration with Couach shipyard.
Key features include high-performance sensors, notably the unique multi-view SAMDIS antenna, and secure, cyber-resilient communications.
Advanced mission planning and sonar analysis software further optimize operator workload.
These capabilities let the unmanned vessel handle sensitive missions while keeping personnel out of harm’s way — a significant step for naval superiority and operational safety.
