Thales Launches Pathmaster Unmanned Mine Countermeasures System

By Mike Ball / 17 Oct 2016

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Thales Pathmaster minehunting system

Thales has announced that it is launching Pathmaster, a fully configurable unmanned mine countermeasures system for naval forces seeking to minimise the risk exposure of their crews, at Euronaval 2016. Pathmaster draws on the latest imaging technologies and Thales claims that it is the most advanced unmanned mine countermeasures system in the world. It can be deployed from the shore, from a mine countermeasures vessel or from any other type of naval platform.

Pathmaster is flexible enough to adapt to the operational requirements of newly emerging naval powers as well as major navies. It is built around a system for reliable detection, classification and location of even the most modern mines and its fully configurable system can be tailored to the needs of individual navies.

Pathmaster is equipped with SAMDIS, Thales’s latest-generation high-resolution synthetic aperture sonar. With its multi-aspect functionality, the SAMDIS sonar views targets from three different angles. The technology has previously been successfully evaluated by the French defence procurement agency (DGA).

Thales is already using multi-aspect technology on the French-UK maritime mine countermeasures programme (MMCM). This contract was awarded in 2015 to meet specific requirements set out by France and the United Kingdom. SAMDIS technology has also been selected for two export programmes in Asia.

“Thales has a huge amount of expertise and experience in mine countermeasures and its systems are in service with more than half of the worldwide fleet of minehunting vessels. With the autonomous Pathmaster system, all naval forces can acquire a key capability for protecting their countries’ maritime approaches,” said Pierre-Eric Pommellet, SVP Defence Mission Systems at Thales.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Field-Tested: How Far Can the Dronetag RIDER Really Detect?

Dronetag’s latest video sees the RIDER Remote ID receiver put to the test, revealing its real-world detection range and previewing the new generation of Drone Scanner

May 20, 2025
Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WISPR Systems Partners to Advance American-Made UAV Technology

WISPR Systems and NW Blue are joining forces to showcase advanced drone platforms designed for real-world applications, built on American-made innovation and reliability

May 20, 2025
Iridium Introduces 9603 ESBD Module for Secure Government Messaging

Iridium Communications Inc. is launching a U.S. government-specific version of its 9603 module, featuring Enhanced Short Burst Data (ESBD) for secure, low-latency mobile messaging across global defense networks

May 20, 2025
Elistair Awarded Contract to Supply Tethered Drones for Greek Fire Service

Elistair has secured a contract to supply tethered drone systems for integration into Greece’s Mobile Operations Centers, enhancing disaster response capabilities

May 20, 2025
Sunhillo to Deliver Surveillance Data Fusion for BVLOS Test Bed

Sunhillo Corporation has joined ResilienX to support the SAFE-T initiative in Tulsa, delivering surveillance data solutions for autonomous aviation development

May 20, 2025

Featured Content

Final Call to Apply for GENIUS NY Program

The application window for GENIUS NY, the premier uncrewed systems accelerator, closes May 28th. Learn about this incredible opportunity and explore how GENIUS NY champions innovation as the official XPO+ Launcher sponsor, at XPO Booth 3613

May 20, 2025
WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.