Rheinmetall Defence Australia in cooperation with Adelaide-based Supashock has shown a concept for a seaborne platform-agnostic smart sea mine delivery system dubbed the Mine Rail Deployment System (MRDS) at Indopacific 2023. In a related press release the company announced the intention to design, test and manufacture the new system at Supashock’s Holden Hill-facility in Adelaide.
High degree of automation and containerised option
MRDS is distinguished by featuring a rack fixed to the platform chosen deploying its payload directly without need for an appliance basket discarded into the sea. The concept also includes a high degree of automation, with a single operator required to control delivery, as displayed by a model shown by Rheinmetall at this year’s Indopacific-event. Company representatives in discussion with Naval News revealed how MRDS can be integrated as a containerised solution swappable between platforms and aiding in protecting deployment against visual surveillance including by satellite. Rheinmetall Australia is cooperating with Huntington Ingalls Industries Australia (HII) to perform related integration work.
Quick delivery-timeframe meeting ADF-requirement
While officials would not further comment on particular payloads for MRDS, the model as displayed implies readiness to deploy Murena- and Asteria-type mines showcased again this year by the company. RWM Italia in August this year had won a tender by the Australian Defence Force to supply a new “smart sea mine”-capability. While the exact type of mines has not been revealed, selection of Asteria, Murena or both is strongly implied. Development of MRDS was started approximately two months ago according to company representatives, suggesting the system is also directly related to the Australian requirement. When asked by Naval News, Rheinmetall wouldn’t commit to a clear delivery timeframe but emphasized fielding could occur quickly.
Naval News understand SH Defence of Denmark is also proposing to Australia its modular mine laying system from “The Cube” eco-system. This one is already in production and has been ordered by at least one customer so far.
SEA 2000
Murena multi influence sea mine.
The ADF-program dubbed SEA 2000 seeks to realise a smart sea mine capability considered key in the service’s ambition to provide an increased level of deterrence against potential adversaries, specifically by allowing strategic anchorages to be denied to hostile forces while preserving access to aligned vessels. Delivery of the winning proposal by RWM Italia is expected before the end of the year.
