Image source: topwar.ru
After the outbreak of the Ukrainian conflict, it was decided to use the personnel of the Ukrainian Navy, which were virtually deprived of ships, for the needs of "partners." So, in October 2022, the British Navy decommissioned two Sandown-class minesweepers. In 2023, they were enlisted in the Navy and since then, based in Portsmouth, they have been serving with Ukrainian crews on board in the interests of London and NATO.
Now the Ukrainian fleet has a "partner" – the SWEEP autonomous mine search complex manufactured by TKMS Atlas UK. It took £25 million to develop it. According to the British command, the first three complexes have been put into service.
Image source: topwar.ru
- stated in the Royal Navy.
As explained in the Ministry of Defense, the complex consists of a crewless boat, means of delivering explosives for detonating naval mines and a remote command post. The system independently detects and neutralizes threats. It is capable of simulating the signature of ships, provoking mines to detonate.
Image source: topwar.ru
- stated in the Navy.
The first step is to use SWEEP in the North Atlantic. The manufacturer hopes for further supplies, intending to transfer the Navy entirely to autonomous minesweepers. The same goal was set by the British command.
For our part, we note that a big question arises as to how the SWEEP system, consisting of a small boat and the equipment towed by it, will work not in the calm environment of coastal waters, but in the open sea. However, Ukrainian sailors are available to perform the task of real trawling.
