Royal Navy: Advanced autonomous mine-hunting ship RNMB Apollo "successfully" tested again in Scotland

RNMB Apollo is one step closer to being ready for front-line operations after a recent trial in Scotland. The small un-crewed boat is bristling with mine hunting kit - a towed sensor and synthetic aperture sonar - which can all be used to scan the seabed for various mines and explosives.

Commander Daniel Herridge, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy’s Mine & Threat Exploitation Group, said: “Building on previous success this has been another step in the paradigm shift of delivering Mine Counter Measures capability in a completely new way, harnessing technology and building on the skills of our people to continue to deliver world leading capability.

“Utilising the MMCM system in the SD Northern River, the team has operated prototype and demonstrator equipment with improved sensors and effectors from a Vessel of Opportunity to enhance sustainability and reach to this rapidly evolving concept of capability delivery. The Mine & Threat Exploitation Group will continue to support the enterprise in delivering these important trials to progress operational evaluation and accelerate capability delivery for provision of a modern and high-tech operational capability within the maritime environment, safeguarding the UK’s interests both at home and overseas.”

“Impressive results” from RNMB Apollo trial

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The trial was held in the Firth of Clyde, with RNMB Apollo being launched from SD Northern River, a Defence Marine Services’ ship. This was to test whether she can be launched from a commercial vessel. The test was completed in challenging waters, with a large sea depth and coastal currents. The Royal Navy will be taking delivery of RNMB Apollo once the upgrades are fitted by the French-based aerospace company Thales.

When ready, the vessel will be part of the Maritime Mine Counter Measure (MMCM) programme - providing autonomous mine hunting equipment to the Royal Navy and France’s Marine Nationale. The total value of the contract for the UK and France is €430m (Britain contributing £184m). L3 Harris manufactured RNMB Apollo, which was delivered as a concept in 2021. The contract is supporting more than 200 jobs in the UK, including at L3 Harris in Portsmouth.

Andy Lapsley, DE&S MHC Team Leader said: “This trial, which successfully demonstrated the potential for the Maritime Mine Counter Measures capability to be deployed flexibly and at pace for the Royal Navy, is a result of years of dedicated effort and collaboration by the MHC team, demonstrating our commitment to advancing mine countermeasures technology and commercial platform integration. I am immensely grateful to all participants across the Defence enterprise who came together to make this happen.”