First robot minesweeper system delivered to British navy
London, May 6: Britain's Royal Navy has taken delivery of its first unmanned autonomous minesweeping system, Defence Minister Guto Bebb said on Saturday.
Bebb said the system, capable of safely clearing sea lanes of mines, could go on to be used in the future to defeat the threat of modern digital mines following a period of successful trials.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said the system has been designed and manufactured by Atlas Elektronik in Dorset, England, under a $20.3 million contract.
"This autonomous minesweeper takes us a step closer to taking our crews out of danger and allowing us to safely clear sea lanes of explosives, whether that's supporting trade in global waters and around the British coastline, or protecting our ships and shores," Xinhua quoted Bebb as saying.
Easily transported by road, sea and air, the high-tech design means a small team could put the system to use within hours of it arriving in any theatre of activity, added Bebb.
The sweeper system, which features a sense and avoid capability, could also work together with other similar autonomous systems for the common goal of making our waters safer, said the MOD.
The project, designed to be operated from a land or ship-based control station and can be deployed from a suitable ship or port, also aims to demonstrate the viability of an unmanned system that can safely and successfully clear mines.
Brigadier Jim Morris from the Royal Marines who is senior responsible officer for the Mine Countermeasures and Hydrographic Capability (MHC) programme said: "The minesweeping system is the Royal Navy's first fully autonomous capability demonstrator and paves the way for the introduction of this technology across the full range of maritime capabilities."
"This autonomous system will restore the Royal Navy's sweep capability, enabling it to tackle modern digital mines that may not otherwise be discovered in challenging mine hunting conditions."
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PM meets vice president on Tamil new year
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New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on Vice President C P Radhakrishnan to greet him on Tamil new year Puthandu.
Modi reached the vice president's official residence here and offered prayers on the occasion of Puthandu.
"Called on Vice President Thiru C P Radhakrishnan Ji and conveyed greetings on the special occasion of Puthandu. Praying for a wonderful year ahead, filled with good health and happiness," Modi posted on X.
The vice president said he was happy to meet Modi at Uprashtrapati Bhawan and exchange greetings on Tamil Puthandu and Baisakhi.
"We prayed for a wonderful year ahead, with happiness, peace, and the well-being of all.
"We discussed how Tamil Puthandu showcases the wisdom of our ancestors and brings together tradition, family, spirituality, and a disciplined way of life," he posted on X.
Separately, Radhakrishnan greeted people on the occasion of Puthandu, Baisakhi, Rongali Bihu, Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti, Poila Boishakh and Vishu.
"These vibrant festivals reflect the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our nation," he said.
Radhakrishnan said the festivals mark new beginnings, the joy of harvest, and the enduring bond between people, nature, and tradition.
"May these occasions inspire harmony, prosperity and renewed hope to everyone's lives," he prayed.
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