The Norwegian companies Eelume, Blueye Robotics and Maritime Robotics are taking mine defence to the next level of autonomy: the unmanned surface platform WP960 (USV) - deployed in the clearance area by a „conventional“ mine hunting unit - is the transit carrier and hub for the swarm deployment of eight autonomous „Eelume S All-Terrain“ underwater robots (AUV) for autonomous mine search and clearance. WP960 carries these AUVs, deploys them, controls and monitors them, analyses the sensor data via an on-board AI and clears them accordingly - the USV then collects its AUVs again.

WP960 as a surface drone is no longer than 10 to 12 metres, depending on the variant, and can reach up to 30 knots with its double water jet propulsion. The entire USV can be transported by sea and air and is designed for road transport on a trailer. Depending on the space available on the „conventional“ platform, up to a dozen of these WP960s can be carried on board and even deployed in a swarm. The AUVs deployed under water are immediately networked and thus efficiently cover large search areas.