OCCAR Delivers First MMCM System to the United Kingdom

OCCAR news release

OCCAR is pleased to reveal the distribution of the very first MMCM System (Maritime Mine Counter Steps) to the UK.

The very first landmark was gotten to in 2021 with the distribution of 2 prototypes/demonstrators to OCCAR Participant States France and the UK quickly after its manufacturing launch. Market, National Specialists, Supervisors and OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) encountered a variety of obstacles throughout the advancement of this sophisticated modern technology, which will eventually enable the quick devastation of sea mines in an even more inexpensive and much safer fashion than in the past, effectively staying clear of human treatment throughout hazardous procedures.

The Royal Navy has actually been educated and is currently all set to additional establish this brand-new principle, utilizing this modern technology of drones from another location regulated from a Portable Procedure Centre. This Very first Ability will certainly enable the Royal Navy to perform procedures in complicated atmospheres consisting of uncrewed finder study objectives as much as Sea State 4 to preserve specific mapping of the sea flooring.

Ability to perform recognition and after that training of mine neutralisation mixed-up is likewise offered with the distribution of the committed From another location Run Car (ROV).

OCCAR provided the very first MMCM System to France in December 2024.

— End–

Regarding MMCM (Maritime Mine Counter Steps)

France and the UK launched a program to analyze and establish a “Maritime Mine Counter Steps” (MMCM) ability consisting of unmanned systems running from another location, at a stand-off range from flagship or, via a command and control centre, either aboard ship or released onto land.

The purpose of the MMCM program is to supply an active, interoperable and durable MMCM ability. The program will certainly assist to figure out the alternatives for changing existing Mine Counter Procedure Vessels when they relinquish solution and the life-cycle expense advantages of supplying mine counter step ability in a brand-new means.

Its stand-off principle is based upon off-board abilities focused on maintaining workers outside minefields whenever feasible. By beating fixed undersea hazards at speed, these systems will certainly offer calculated, functional and tactical flexibility of manoeuvre and consequently ensure the distribution of maritime pressure forecast and maritime protection at the time and area of the Countries’ finding on behalf of a wide variety of marine procedures.

This bi-lateral program was officially launched under the Lancaster Home Treaties in between France and the UK in late 2010. In March 2015, OCCAR granted a presentation stage agreement complying with an affordable tendering workout. The agreement was initially structured with:

• A solid tranche for Phase 1 (Research Study, Interpretation and Style Phase).
• Company rates for 2 optional tranches (OTs):.
  • OT1 for Phase 2 (Manufacture of 2 systems) and Phase 3 (Certification);
  • OT2 for Phase 4 (for Assistance to Examination).

On 20 October 2016, the agreement to wage Phases 2 and 3 was collectively revealed by the UK and France. The news adhered to the effective conclusion of a 15 month-long research study, interpretation and layout phase. Phases 2 and 3 of the MMCM program is the manufacture and credentials of 2 similar MMCM prototype/demonstrators. These independent off-board unmanned systems, released from the coast or at a stand-off range from flagship, will certainly make it possible for the discovery and neutralisation of sea mines and undersea eruptive tools. The MMCM program likewise consists of a phase 4 choice for a two-year duration of assistance for assessment of the systems by the Marine nationale and Royal Navy.

At the France/United Kingdom Top in January 2018, the French Head Of State and the Head Of State of the UK mentioned their objective to bring the system right into functional solution quickly. The succeeding manufacturing phase (referred to as Phase II) has actually advanced quickly and the official ProgD and succeeding agreement for both France and UK was checked in October 2020.

Phase II consists of usual and non-common advancement tasks, manufacture of numerous systems, the distribution of a coast procedure and training centre and consists of different set you back legal alternatives consisting of In-Service Assistance (ISS).

The blog post OCCAR Delivers First MMCM System to the United Kingdom showed up initially on Naval News.