ECA Group is pitching innovative mine countermeasures systems for the RAN potential needs, based on its recent success in the field. The Belgian Defense Ministry officially notified the consortium Belgian Naval & Robotics (formed by Naval Group & ECA Group) on May 22, 2019, to supply 12 vessels and associated equipment to the Belgian and Dutch Navies. The 2 billion Euro MCM program involves the delivery of around 100 drones, constituting approximately ten drone systems (toolboxes). Each Toolbox will be able to integrate the Inspector 125 unmanned surface vessel (USV), the A-18M autonomous unmanned vehicle (AUV), the T-18M towed sonar, the SEASCAN remotly operated vehicle (ROV), the K-STER mine disposal system, a sweeping system developed by Poland’s CTM, and finally, the 200 kg-class VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), most probably the UMS Skeldar V-200. After a three- year design phase, Belgium Naval & Robotics will launch the production phase of the ships and drone systems with a first delivery expected in 2024.
Advanced Magnetic Ranges Australia Pty Limited (AMRA), a joint venture by ECA Group and AMOG are showcasing the deperming solution their are proposing for Project SEA 1350. SEA 1350 calls for a new Magnetic Treatment facility for the Royal Australian Navy. Collins-class and Attack-class submarines and surface ships will use it to undergo a vital pre-deployment process called deperming, which reduces or eliminates the magnetism of a steel hull and so aids its stealth, preventing it triggering magnetic mines or attracting certain types of torpedo. All warships and submarines must undergo this process periodically.
