Safer, faster, and more effective mine countermeasures operations
Recent operational experience has reinforced the importance of effective Mine Countermeasures (MCM) capabilities. Naval mines continue to pose risks to freedom of navigation, maritime infrastructure, and naval operations, requiring systems that can be deployed efficiently and operated with a high degree of confidence across a wide range of environments.
KONGSBERG delivers a complete set of autonomous underwater and surface systems designed for modern MCM. These systems are in service with multiple NATO navies and support the full MCM mission chain - from survey and detection to classification, decision support, and post‑mission analysis.
HUGIN AUV Family: Proven MCM Performance
HUGIN 3000 and HUGIN Superior
HUGIN AUVs are actively deployed in MCM operations across several NATO navies, trusted for their unmatched data quality, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Key advantages:
- Built-to-specification with typical delivery less than 12 months
- High-resolution SAS for rapid mine classification
- Consistent performance in challenging environments
- In-mission detection, classification and identification
- Scalable payload architecture for diverse mission requirements
SITAR – Automated Target Recognition (ATR)
A next-generation ATR engine developed in partnership with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), with a heritage dating back to the mid-1990s.
SITAR is fully integrated with KONGSBERG's SAS sensors, AUV and MCM mission management systems, supporting a consistent workflow from in-mission processing/re-taskin to post-mission analysis using a common data environment.
Capabilities:
- Trained to recognize specific mine types with high accuracy
- New mine or target types added through controlled retraining processes
- In-mission SAS data processing with in-situ target list generation on KONGSBERG vehicles
- Advanced post-processing ATR integrated with data analysis and mission management software
SITAR supports faster decision-making and reduces operator workload, enabling efficient and consistent clearance operations.
HUGIN Edge – The Future of AUV-based MCM
HUGIN Edge is KONGSBERG's next-generation AUV, developed specifically for Mine Countermeasures operations. The vehicle is designed from the outset to support repeated, high-tempo MCM missions with minimal logistics and reduced operational footprint.
First deliveries: Q1 2027.
Optimized for multi-sortie operations, HUGIN Edge combines advanced autonomy, high-performance payloads, and streamlined launch and recovery concepts to enable efficient coverage of large areas within limited time windows.
HUGIN Edge is fully integrated with KONGSBERG's MCM mission management and data processing environment, supporting in-mission analysis, rapid decision-making, and seamless transition from survey to clearance actions.
Key design principles:
- Designed for frequent deployment with reduced launch and recovery complexity
- Optimized for endurance and availability for sustained MCM operations
- Payload architecture tailored for future sonar and sensor developments
- Best in class autonomous navigation capability ensuring accurate re-acquisition of targets
- Tight integration with KONGSBERG AUV, USV and MCM software systems
