OCCAR: First MNS live firing from ROV completed

The munition from the maritime mine countermeasure (MMCM) program has been fired at the Swedish Test Centre (FMV) in Motala Lake, according to the Organization for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR).

The firing coincides with the first autonomous MMCM primary system delivery by OCCAR to the UK.

The aim of the testing exercise was to have a high-visibility demonstration event that would reassure OCCAR, France and the UK of the progress made in the neutralization process that will be delivered for the final operational capability of MMCM.

The munition was attached to an ad hoc target by a teleoperated underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in accordance with the MMCM Neutralization Concept of Use. It also demonstrates the end-to-end concept “man away from the menace” that will become a reality thanks to MMCM, according to OCCAR.

This successful trial, demonstrating the cooperation between Thales (prime contractor), SAAB (subcontractor in charge of the ROV and mine neutralization system), and OCCAR, was carried out with the presence of French and British customers (DGA and DE&S) and French and UK navies.

It was the first live firing exercise performed in a real “operational-like” environment.

On March 25, 2025, the munition passed two major milestones, namely the critical design review (CDR) and test readiness review (TRR), allowing the MNS to start its qualification phase.

MMCM is the world’s first autonomous mine-hunting system. After threat detection and localization, the ROV’s aim is to identify and then neutralize the mine with the MNS (munition).