This post is also available in:
עברית (Hebrew)
In a significant step forward for underwater warfare technology, the UK Royal Navy, in collaboration with the US and Australian naval forces, has conducted a joint evaluation of the Hugin Superior autonomous system. The tests, held in Norfolk, Virginia, are part of the AUKUS alliance’s broader initiative to strengthen operation across the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.
The Hugin Superior, developed by Kongsberg, is a highly advanced autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) designed for a variety of military and civilian applications, including mine countermeasures and seafloor exploration. During the exercise, the system was deployed to collect data across underwater and seafloor environments using a range of specialized sensors.
According to the Defense Post, The operation was led by the UK’s Diving and Threat Exploitation Group, along with the Mine and Threat Exploitation Group. The Hugin was launched from a commercial offshore vessel, the “Island Pride,” provided by marine robotics company Ocean Infinity. The vessel was also equipped with other prototype technologies aimed at detecting, tracking, and neutralizing underwater threats.
The trial included simulated missions focused on protecting subsea infrastructure like communication cables and gas pipelines, recovering lost materials, and neutralizing mines and explosives.
The Hugin Superior AUV is designed for deep-water operations, with a depth capability of up to 6,000 meters. Measuring 7 meters in length and weighing around 2,200 kilograms, the vessel is equipped with a variety of sensors, including a high-area coverage synthetic aperture sonar, a multibeam echo sounder, digital color cameras, and even a methane sensor for specialized missions, according to the Defense Post.
With a top speed of 5.2 knots and an endurance of eight hours, the Hugin Superior can cover distances of up to 7 nautical miles. It is powered by pressure-tolerant batteries and features advanced navigation and communication systems, including under-ice and collision avoidance capabilities, ensuring reliability across diverse operational conditions.
This trial marks a significant milestone in enhancing the operational capabilities of the AUKUS nations’ naval forces, particularly in complex underwater environments.
