Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

Royal Navy Trials Underwater Robot to Counter Sabotage of Subsea Infrastructure

Developed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory with industry partners, the vehicle bolsters security of vital undersea data networks.

Robot laying an explosive charge on a pipeline "threat"
The underwater robot could soon be saving lives at sea for the Royal Navy.
Image
Image

Overview

  • The Royal Navy has begun field trials of an advanced remotely operated vehicle capable of detecting unexploded ordnance on the seabed near critical undersea infrastructure.
  • Developed by the DSTL with Alford Technologies, Atlantas Marine, Sonardyne and ECS Special Projects, the ROV can operate at depths beyond diver reach and remain functional for prolonged missions.
  • Equipped with specialized navigation, video and sonar systems, it feeds real-time data to operators who can then deploy explosive charges to neutralize potential sabotage threats safely.
  • Trials at Horsea Island, Portland Harbour and off Norway have demonstrated its performance in varied underwater environments.
  • The tests address growing concerns over deliberate or suspicious damage to cables and pipelines in regions such as the Baltic, Taiwan and the Red Sea since 2023.