Overview
- Pathmaster, which Thales unveiled Thursday, was tested in Lithuania last week and the company says it can be used immediately.
- The expeditionary system links drones, sonars, and neutralization tools to spot and destroy underwater mines in real time while operators work from a safe stand-off.
- U.S. officials have warned that Iran could seed the Strait of Hormuz with mines, a chokepoint that carries about one fifth of global oil, and shipping has slowed to a trickle as insurers demand proof the route is safe.
- Exail, a French robotics firm, offers compatible mine-hunting drones and remotely operated robots already fielded by the Belgian and Dutch navies, and it says some Gulf fleets use its gear.
- Pathmaster draws on the Franco‑British MMCM program delivered to major navies but not yet fielded as an expeditionary package, and Thales says the new setup also fits missions in the Black Sea.