Australian MoD press release
Following evaluation of market options last year, Defence selected RWM Italia to provide the capability under a multi-million-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 ADF strategic objectives.
Rapidly deployable and technologically sophisticated, the smart sea mines will provide a new level of deterrence to potential adversaries.
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.
“The reinvigoration of a maritime mining capability for the ADF will increase its ability to deter through denial any adversary’s attempt to project power against Australia through our northern approaches, and protect Australia’s economic connection to our region and the world. We are providing the ADF with the capability it needs for the 21st century.”
“Rapidly deployable and technologically sophisticated, smart sea mines will provide a profound step-up for the defence of Australia.
“The level of technology involved in this acquisition will take our forces to the cutting-edge of modern military hardware.
“The sea mines will be maintained in Australia and some elements may be manufactured here, potentially including the explosive fill.”
Air Marshal Leon Phillips, Chief of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance
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Rheinmetall press release
Rheinmetall wins multimillion-euro order from Australia for strategic naval warfare systems
RWM Italia S.p.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG in Italy, has won an order from the Commonwealth of Australia to deliver a significant quantity of smart sea mines. For Rheinmetall, the order is worth a figure of low three-digit million-euro range with potential growth in the coming years.
This important contract underscores once again the great trust the Commonwealth of Australia places in Rheinmetall and its products. The Australian Defence Forces have purchased latest generation of Rheinmetall smart sea mines, which will strengthen the Australian maritime Defence capabilities, with mines able to be deployed from several platforms. Defence evaluated market options last year, and has selected RWM Italia to provide the capability.
RWM Italia was assessed by the Commonwealth of Australia to possess both the technology to meet ADF strategic objectives and the ability to produce the quantities of mines required. The types and numbers of sea mines to be provided are classified, but delivery is expected to commence this year.
Rapidly deployable and technologically sophisticated, the RWM Italia smart mines will provide a new level of deterrence to any potential adversary. Australian Industry will be engaged in the ongoing sustainment of the capability.
The Group’s centre of excellence for underwater defence systems, RWM Italia is a leader in the strategic domain of multi-influence naval mines and mine-clearing systems, with a presence in over 20 countries.
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Naval News comments
Navies around the world are showing a growing interest for sea mines again. This could be (in part) related to the ongoing war in Ukraine: Ukrainian forces successfully deterred Russia from conducting a amphibious landing near the port city of Odessa thanks to naval mines.
For the Australian requirement (SEA 2000 program), Naval News understands that at least three companies were competing: Rheinmetall of Germany (via its Italian subsidiary, RWM Italia S.p.A), SAES of Spain and DA Group of Finland.
It has to be noted that SAES has signed a collaboration agreement with Spanish defense company EXPAL for the manufacture and commercialization of naval mines back in 2011. Subsequently, Rheinmetall completed its takeover of all shares in Expal in August 2023. It is unknown if this take over by Rheinmetall had any impact on the bid by SAES.
The Australian Department of Defence didn’t communicate on the number or the type of sea mines they are acquiring. However, at the IndoPacific 2022 show last year, Naval News noted that RWM Italia was showcasing two types of sea mines: The Murena and the new Asteria. Here is our coverage on these two sea mines:
