Bundeswehr to receive new underwater reconnaissance drones
Bundeswehr to receive new underwater reconnaissance drones
- Date:
- Place:
- Koblenz
- Reading time:
- 2 MIN
Almost four meters in length, almost 40 centimeters in diameter and a weight of 400 kilograms - these are the dimensions of the new underwater reconnaissance drones of the Bundeswehr. Annette Lehnigk-Emden, Director of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBwBundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr), signed the contract for the procurement of an initial batch of four systems on 20 October 2023.
The “SeaCat” underwater reconnaissance drone will improve the capabilities of class 332 minehunters in future
ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbHThe new “SeaCat” long-range underwater reconnaissance drones will be integrated into class 332 minehunters and the associated training and test facilities.
Underwater reconnaissance will be improved
Underwater reconnaissance is a crucial element of national and Alliance defense. A clear underwater situation picture that is available at all times creates a decisive advantage and serves as a basis for decision-making at all levels.
The procurement of a commercially available product enormously shortens the time required to achieve operational capability. It has now been given the go-ahead with the signing of the contract.
Bundeswehr/Dirk BannertThe new drones are equipped with high-resolution side-looking sonar systems and can search the seabed for potentially dangerous objects like mines at great depths. The data collected by the drone are already pre-processed during such missions. The results obtained during the mission will then be used to plan further steps up to and including target engagement in coordination with the sea mine countermeasures forces.
Due to the high area search performance, the high-resolution representation and the pre-processing of relevant sonar data, the drones meet all the requirements placed on them. In addition to this, it is not necessary for military personnel to operate in mine hazard areas. This will also significantly improve their protection.
The new drones are to be integrated on the Frankenthal class type 332 minehunters
Bundeswehr/Marcel KrönckeWhen will the drones be delivered?
As the “SeaCat” is a commercially available system, the first drone can be delivered as early as the end of 2024 according to the current planning status. In parallel, the preparations for the integration of the system will commence on the first minehunter. A subsequent system acceptance test on the first boat is planned for spring 2025.
After the complete delivery and integration of the four systems, including transport and storage containers, spare parts and documentation, the project is scheduled to be completed in mid-2026.
The contract is designed as a blanket purchase agreement. Therefore, additional systems can be ordered and integrated at a later stage, if necessary.