'RNMB Harrier' Semi-Autonomous MCMV (Island Surveyor MCM Addon)
A specifically-focused autonomous minehunting vessel, also produced by Atlas Elektronik, is a derivative of the class (being identified by the navy as the Arcims-class).
Six 11-metre variants of the type (RNMBs Hussar, Hazard, Halcyon, Harrier, Hellcat and Hydra) were acquired by the Royal Navy and assigned to the Mine Threat and Exploitation Group at HMNB Clyde.
The vessels have been procured under the Mine Hydrographic Capability (MHC) programme and are fitted with acoustic, electronic, and magnetic payloads that can emit signals through two or three towed craft (Coil Auxiliary Boats (CABs)) to trigger mines into thinking that a target ship is passing by. The boats can operate crewed, be remotely controlled or be pre-programmed to conduct missions autonomously.
The 11 m boats can be transported on either the RAF's A400M or C-17 transport aircraft. In 2025, three sets of this autonomous minesweeping capability (known as SWEEP) were officially incorporated into the Royal Navy's capabilities. The other vessels have been employed for route surveys in the U.K. and elsewhere, as well as for trials of small uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs).
An additional 15-metre minehunting variant (RNMB Hebe) was also procured and similarly assigned to the Clyde naval base. The greater size of Hebe permits her to accommodate a Portable Operations Centre Afloat that allows her to control her sister vessels while also coordinating autonomous operations.
In 2023, RNMB Harrier was tasked to undertake trials with the Royal Navy's 9th Mine Counter-Measures Squadron based at HMS Jufair in Bahrain. It is planned that autonomous minehunters, operating from command "mother ships", will incrementally supersede crewed minehunters operated by the Royal Navy.
