The Royal British Navy has unveiled its latest autonomous naval innovation—the SWEEP system. Developed under a £25 million contract by TKMS Atlas UK Ltd, this state-of-the-art uncrewed surface vessel (USV) promises to revolutionise mine countermeasure (MCM) operations, offering a safe, flexible, and highly efficient alternative to traditional minehunting methods.
The operational induction of SWEEP, which took place on July 4, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the United Kingdom’s naval history. For the first time since 2005, the Royal Navy has restored a critical mine neutralisation capability, this time with the added edge of autonomy and modularity. Designed to tackle the rising threat posed by modern digital sea mines—many of which can detect and target both ships and submarines—SWEEP represents a leap into the future of naval warfare.
At the heart of SWEEP’s capability is its ability to detect, deceive, and neutralise naval mines using a sophisticated combination of onboard sensors, modular payloads, and remote control. Unlike traditional minesweepers that rely on human crews operating in close proximity to explosive hazards, SWEEP is entirely uncrewed and can be controlled from a safe distance—either from ships at sea or command centres ashore.
Key to its effectiveness is a cutting-edge “sense and avoid” suite, which allows SWEEP to autonomously navigate complex underwater environments while identifying potential threats. Additionally, its ability to replicate the acoustic, magnetic, and pressure signatures of naval vessels enables it to lure smart mines into detonating prematurely, far away from actual warships and submarines.
“SWEEP allows us to clear sea mines without risking lives,” said Vice Admiral Andrew Radcliffe, Commander of the Royal Fleet. “It’s the kind of force-multiplying capability that defines 21st-century naval power.”
The SWEEP project exemplifies successful collaboration between the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), and British industry. Led by TKMS Atlas UK Ltd, the development process also supported hundreds of skilled jobs across Britain and ensured that innovation remained domestically rooted.
“This system isn’t just about technology—it’s about British engineering excellence and strategic self-reliance,” remarked Defence Minister Harriet Lawrence during the commissioning ceremony. “By building SWEEP at home, we’re investing in our industrial base and securing high-value jobs for our future.”
The £25 million investment, made under the UK’s Mine Hunting Capability Programme (MHCP), reflects the government’s broader defence strategy: reducing reliance on ageing, crewed systems while embracing automation and AI to maintain a cutting-edge naval force.
Naval mines, once dismissed as relics of the Cold War, have re-emerged as a critical threat in modern maritime security. Unlike conventional mines, which often relied on physical contact or basic triggers, today’s digital mines are equipped with sophisticated sensors that detect a ship’s acoustic or magnetic signature and strike with pinpoint accuracy. These mines are harder to detect, harder to neutralise, and can be deployed by both state and non-state actors in key maritime chokepoints.
From the Strait of Hormuz to the South China Sea, the proliferation of sea mines threatens global trade and naval operations alike. In response, NATO has prioritised autonomous mine countermeasure systems in its naval modernisation plans, and the UK has positioned itself as a leader in this field.
“Freedom of navigation is not a given—it must be actively protected,” said Commodore Sarah Pennington, Head of Royal Navy Mine Warfare Command. “SWEEP allows us to safeguard critical sea lanes, reassure allies, and deny adversaries the ability to disrupt maritime stability.”
While several navies are investing in autonomous MCM platforms, SWEEP offers a unique package. Its modular design allows rapid reconfiguration depending on mission needs, whether in shallow coastal zones or deeper waters. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with other autonomous platforms—like the Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) system and SeaCat underwater vehicles—creates a layered defence approach.
Compared to legacy minehunters or towed sonar sweepers, SWEEP is significantly faster to deploy and less expensive to operate. Its remote nature removes the need for expensive manned vessels operating in high-risk zones. Moreover, it requires fewer personnel and can be operated by compact teams, enabling faster mission turnaround and global scalability.
“SWEEP is to mine warfare what drones were to air surveillance,” said Dr. Malcolm Fryer, a senior naval systems analyst. “It changes the cost-risk calculus entirely and gives the Royal Navy a credible, high-endurance tool for contested environments.”
Three SWEEP systems have already been delivered and are undergoing operational training with Royal Navy crews. The Navy has conducted exercises off the coast of Scotland and in the English Channel to familiarise personnel with SWEEP’s control systems and capabilities.
Initial results are promising: in simulated combat environments, SWEEP demonstrated high detection and neutralisation rates, surpassing older systems by wide margins. Its ability to operate independently or as part of a swarm further enhances its tactical flexibility.
Going forward, more units are expected to be procured, and a new training school is being established in Portsmouth to provide advanced instruction on unmanned mine warfare systems. The Royal Navy has also invited NATO allies to observe SWEEP in action, hinting at potential joint deployment in multinational task forces.
Beyond tactical effectiveness, SWEEP strengthens Britain’s strategic posture. By ensuring access to international waterways and denying adversaries the ability to blockade or interdict sea lines of communication, the UK enhances its role as a maritime security guarantor in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Indo-Pacific theatres.
In particular, SWEEP will be critical in safeguarding the UK’s submarine deterrent force based at Faslane, as well as protecting carrier strike group operations, commercial shipping, and humanitarian missions.
At a time when maritime grey zone activity is increasing—from underwater sabotage to rogue mine deployments—the ability to respond rapidly and without putting personnel at risk gives the UK a crucial edge. Moreover, it sends a message to allies and adversaries alike that Britain remains committed to maintaining technological superiority and maritime resilience.
The Royal Navy’s journey to re-establish its autonomous mine countermeasure capabilities has not been without challenges. Since retiring its last dedicated minesweeping vessels in 2005, the Navy has relied on a patchwork of allied support and limited capabilities to respond to mine threats.
The decision to move away from manned minehunters was controversial at the time. Critics warned of capability gaps, especially as asymmetric threats began to rise. However, the Navy made a calculated bet: that future MCM operations would be dominated by automation, AI, and remote systems—and that investment in innovation would yield dividends down the line.
Two decades later, that bet appears to have paid off.
“This isn’t just a return to old capabilities,” said Admiral Jonathan Warwick, Chief of Naval Operations. “It’s a transformation into something smarter, safer, and more suited to the threats of tomorrow.”
While SWEEP’s operational debut is a major step forward, experts caution that continued investment and adaptation will be necessary to maintain the edge. Digital sea mines are constantly evolving, with some using AI and pattern recognition to differentiate between decoys and actual targets. Adversaries are also experimenting with stealthy mine-laying drones and seabed-based traps.
To stay ahead, the UK must ensure that SWEEP’s software, sensor suites, and payloads are continuously upgraded. There are also questions about rules of engagement, operational oversight, and cyber-security risks associated with remotely piloted naval systems.
Nevertheless, the foundations are in place. SWEEP’s successful rollout opens the door to a new generation of naval autonomy, one where uncrewed platforms take on more frontline roles—not just in mine warfare, but in surveillance, logistics, anti-submarine operations, and even offensive missions.
