The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is to acquire a new generation of smart sea mines, which will significantly enhance its mining capability. The mines will be deployable from submarines, ships and aircraft.
Following evaluation of market options last year, the Defence Force selected RWM Italia to provide the capability under a multimillion-dollar contract.
RWM Italia was assessed as the market leading solution, demonstrating the ability to produce the quantities of sea mines needed, and the technical capability to meet Australia’s strategic objectives.
The contract includes provision for the transfer of technology and expertise to Australia to enable local manufacturing and maintenance of the sea mines.
This includes potentially providing electronics services and recurring maintenance; and potentially filling the sea mines with Australian-made explosives and assembling them in Australia.
Delivery is expected to commence in 2023. The quantity and types of sea mines that Defence will acquire remain classified.
