• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Thales partners STN Atlas for Dutch and Belgian MCM fleet upgrade

12 December 2001

The award of the contract, on 10 December 2001, to STN Atlas Elektronik for the upgrade of 10 Dutch Alkmaar and 6 Belgian Flower class Mine Countermeasure Vessels, marks a significant milestone in industrial co-operation in this field.

Thales Underwater Systems is the major subcontract partner to STN Atlas on this contract, which in total is valued at more than 160Meuros.

This integrated MCM system (IMCMS) to be fitted to the Royal Netherlands Navy and Belgian Navy ships is the most comprehensive system of its kind ever acquired by any Navy. It combines both Minehunting and remote control Minesweeping capabilities in one configuration, featuring several advanced technology sensors and mine neutralization weapons.

The system comprises Tactical Command and Control with precision Navigation and automated Vessel Control. It also includes the latest generation of composite broadband Minehunting Sonar, which has both Hull-mounted and Self Propelled Variable Depth components.

The sonar systems will be realized jointly by STN Atlas and Thales Underwater Systems.

STN Atlas is Prime Contractor, and in charge of the sonar surface units; the Command & Control System for minehunting and minesweeping; and the software (excluding data processing).

Thales Underwater Systems (TUS) is in charge of the Hull Mounted Sonar wet end units (arrays, hoisting and stabilization system); the Self Propelled Variable Depth Sonar (SPVDS); and the software for data processing. The underwater vehicle will be supplied by SAAB Bofors of Sweden, as a subcontractor to TUS.

The systems will be commissioned into operational service between 2004 and 2008.

Note to Editors: The Alkmaar and Flower class MCMVs, like the French Navy Eridan class MCMVs, were designed in co-operation by the three countries, and thus are known as Tripartite Minehunters. Thales Underwater Systems is Prime Contractor for the upgrade of the French Navy Minehunters, under a contract awarded by the French DGA in November 1999.

Press contacts :
Thales - Verena Adt - Tel : +33 (0) 1 53 77 86 26
Thales Underwater Systems - Mike Docherty - Tel: 04 92 96 45 24