Second Autonomous Mine Warfare Vessel Delivered to the Royal Navy

6 April 2026

Ariadne the first MMCM vessel conducting trials off the South Coast last year. (Image credit: Royal Navy)

The transformation of the Royal Navy’s mine warfare force continues apace with the second of four remotely-controlled boats delivered.

Adventure joins Ariadne—already in service—at the core of an Anglo-French collaboration embracing the white heat of technology to deal with the threat of mines.

Adventure is classed as a ‘primary system’ in the Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) program—a boat capable of carrying a payload comprising other uncrewed survey/mine warfare systems, such as the SeaCat, the bright yellow uncrewed vehicle pictured, which is used to map the seabed rapidly and safely to a high standard, allowing operators to identify and subsequently neutralize underwater threats.

Adventure with a SeaCat system as payload. (Image credit: Royal Navy)

Hand-in-hand with the ‘primary system’ is a portable operations center from where mine warfare experts direct the mission.

Together, the MMCM program—delivered by the international group OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement/Organization for Joint Armament Co-operation)—introduces a world‑class, autonomous mine countermeasures solution, built around advanced crewless systems and an expanded mission suite designed to enhance safety and operational effectiveness at sea.

It’s been designed to allow operators to clear mines in seas up to State 4 (waves as much as 2.5 meters/8ft high) and supports detailed seabed mapping in the most complex of maritime settings.

Adventure was handed over to the Royal Navy at Turnchapel in Plymouth with Commodore Michael Wood, Senior Responsible Owner for the UK program, accepting the vessel on behalf of the Royal Navy.

He says the advent of the second craft marked “an important step forward—and showed the power of the enterprise—with OCCAR, Royal Navy, the National Armaments Director Group, Thales and Saab working collaboratively and transparently to one purpose and responding to the urgent need to prepare this world-class capability for any operational deployment.”

With the addition of a dedicated remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the system also provides the capability to conduct mine identification and mine neutralization training at sea—significantly improving mission readiness while keeping personnel out of harm’s way.