France Takes Delivery Of First SLAMF Unmanned Mine Warfare Prototype

On November 25, 2021, the French armament procurement agency (DGA – Direction générale de l’armement) took delivery of the first SLAMF (Système de lutte anti-mines futur) Future Mine Warfare System prototype. This system combines unmanned underwater and surface vehicles and should enable sailors to operate outside of the mine field.

The SLAM-F program, under the project management of the DGA, will replace all current mine warfare platforms (Tripartite-class mine hunters, sonar towing vessels, diver support vessels). The SLAM-F program will help secure the deployment of the French Navy’s strategic units (nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, aircraft carriers) and protect access to French ports. It can also support the deployment of a naval action force, secure the evacuation of nationals by sea, participate in crisis prevention or intervene in a contested environment.

This first part of the SLAM-F program (known as MMCM in the UK), is the result of a Franco-British cooperation and is part of the Lancaster House military agreement (2010).

The contract for the design, development and production of the prototypes (one per country) was signed in March 2015 between Thales Defence and OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) on behalf of the two countries.

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