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Unmanned Marine Systems: Minesweepers

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 19 October 2025UIN 79713

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what mine counter measures vessels will be in scope to be replaced by maritime autonomous systems under the Mine Hunting Capability programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard

All existing HUNT and SANDOWN-class Mine Countermeasures Vessels are planned for retirement within the Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme, as part of the transition to advanced autonomous systems.

For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy does not release the out of service dates of individual platforms.

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