7th May 2025. Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) announced that it has been awarded contracts by Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to deliver a suite of Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Unmanned Systems for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The suite of MCM Unmanned Systems will comprise a fleet of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), alongside a Command & Control (C2) Centre, all of which will be engineered to work in tandem to detect and eliminate underwater mines. Additionally, ST Engineering will provide a high-fidelity simulation system for users to hone their operational skills, allowing them to practise decision-making, refine operational techniques and execute dynamic MCM scenarios safely.
MERCURY Autonomous Underwater Vehicle / Photos: ST Engineering Ltd
The suite of MCM Unmanned Systems epitomises our capabilities in unmanned technology and our ability to provide strategic value in mission-critical applications, said Mr Low Jin Phang, President, Digital Systems, ST Engineering. Building on our success in delivering the Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessels for the RSN, we aim to push the boundaries of USVs and AUVs for MCM operations with AI, enabling real-time data analysis for faster, more informed decisions. We are excited to take this forward and remain committed to supporting MINDEF with cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and mission success.
Designed to operate in unison, both the USV and AUV will be integrated with advanced sensors to detect and classify mines. Real-time data from the USV and AUV will be transmitted to the C2 Centre through a secure communications network, also to be developed by ST Engineering, enabling quick assessments and faster decision-making. The USV will also be integrated with advanced payloads to identify and neutralise the mines. The C2 Centre will act as the operational hub, remotely monitoring and controlling the USV and AUV from shore or the mothership, ensuring safety by maintaining a safe distance during the MCM operation. The suite of MCM Unmanned Systems will be progressively delivered from 2027.
MERCURY Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
The MERCURY AUV comprises Operation Control Stations, Cyber Secured Datalink Suite and AUVs integrated with Mission Payloads. The mid-sized MERCURY-400 is modular to meet different mission needs. Equipped with advanced sensors, navigation and communications features, it supports various applications:
- Mine Counter Measures
- Pipeline and cable inspections
- Debris field detection
- Seabed mapping
- Search and locate
- Environmental monitoring
Equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Sonar, high resolution Side Scan Sonar and an accurate Inertial Navigation System, MERCURY captures and processes high quality seabed data to detect and identify mine-like objects in the seabed. The Automatic Detection Automatic Classification feature supports mine counter measures, where multiple vessels can be deployed for operational efficiency. The MERCURY AUV can also be configured for underwater applications in public safety and security, commercial, and research.
Designed and tested to operate in littoral and congested maritime environments, the AUV can be easily deployed with its signature deployment trolley and launch and recovery systems. Its modular design makes it configurable and scalable, with proven stability in challenging underwater environments. In operations since 2016, the MERCURY AUV has proven to be a reliable solution that provides comprehensive and easy to use software for mission planning, real time monitoring and post-mission analysis.
Smart Maritime Autonomous Vessel (SMAV)
Smart Maritime Autonomous Vessel (SMAV)
Taking a step forward in driving the development of unmanned technologies, we converted a manned tugboat into a Smart Autonomous Maritime Vessel (SMAV) for greater operational efficiencies and safety through the integration of autonomous waypoint navigation with Collision Detection and Collision Avoidance and our very own NERVA Ship Management and Sensemaking System.
