The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has announced intentions to purchase smart sea mines, deployable from submarines, ships and aircraft, to reinvigorate Defence’s maritime mining capability.
Following evaluation of options last year, Defence selected RWM Italia, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, 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.
They will provide the capability under a contract 'worth a figure of low three-digit million-euro range, with potential growth in the coming years' according to Rheinmetall.
The contract includes provision for the transfer of technology and expertise to Australia to enable local manufacturing and maintenance of the sea mines, potentially including provision of electronics services and recurring maintenance; and potentially filling the sea mines with Australian-made explosives and assembling them in Australia.
“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," said Air Marshal Leon Phillips, Chief of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance.
“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.”
The quantity and types of sea mines that Defence will acquire remain classified, and delivery is expected to commence in 2023.