Saab's Double Eagle Family – Transforming Mine Countermeasures
Navigating mine-infested waters has been one of the most challenging tasks for any naval fleet. Traditionally, mine reconnaissance relied on Mine Countermeasure (MCM) vessels equipped with hull-mounted or towed sonar systems, an approach that demands time, exposes vessels and crews to risk, and strains resources. But as naval threats get more complex, there's a clear shift toward smarter, unmanned systems capable of operating in challenging undersea conditions.
The perfect example of this shift is Saab's Double Eagle Mine Disposal System, a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for modern navies. Designed to scout hundreds of meters ahead of the host ship, the Double Eagle uses its forward-mounted sonar to identify and classify underwater mines, conduct routine surveys, and execute complex reconnaissance tasks. The vehicle's ability to adjust depth and viewing angles gives operators enhanced flexibility and a clearer picture of threats below the surface, all while keeping manned platforms at a safe distance.
"In the Indian context, where maritime tensions and internal security threats continue to rise, such solutions have become critical. The Indian Navy is actively seeking to expand its MCM capabilities, focusing on indigenous shipbuilding and advanced underwater technologies. Saab's Double Eagle solutions, trusted by navies worldwide and proven in the field, having neutralised thousands of mines to date, are the right fit. Its dual-role capability of mine detection and disposal makes it a versatile tool for enhancing undersea security," Soumitra Sahai, Business Development Director, Naval Systems, Saab India says.
Saab's Double Eagle systems can be remotely launched from any type of ship, from the shore, or a craft of opportunity (COOP) and offer high precision manoeuvrability, achieved by a user-friendly control interface and six Degrees Of Freedom (6 DOF) movement.
Double Eagle Mine Disposal System (MDS)
The Double Eagle MDS offers a modular and flexible mine disposal capability and can be easily deployable; it can be launched and recovered using a standard ship's crane and is readily integrated into any combat management system. Power is supplied using the tether, giving the system unbeatable endurance.
Double Eagle SAROV
Versatile, that's the word for the SAROV, which can do multiple things. As an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), it can operate independently of the ship and detect, classify and identify mines. As an ROV, it can effectively dispose of mines. The USP of the system is its robust design and versatility, which allows it to be used in a variety of missions, including search operations, underwater surveys, and Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA).
As Sarov is a battery-operated ROV with a fibre tether feature, it enables a standoff operation beyond the mother ship's sight range at sea. Sarov is also available in a deep-sea version, which can mitigate torpedo-like mines further out from harbour entry routes of approach.
Double Eagle MuMNS
Because of its six Degrees of Freedom (DoF), this ROV is highly manoeuvrable, offering users greater operational tempo. Like all Double Eagle systems, MuMNS can be installed on a range of vehicles, including Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs).
"India has a total of 13 major ports, including Mumbai, Kandla, Mangalore, JNPT, Mormugao, Cochin, Chennai, Tuticorin, and Visakhapatnam. Considering the threats of underwater mines and submarines patrolling the Indian Ocean, there is a requirement for world-class MCMVs. Saab's Double Eagle systems are effective against a wide range of underwater targets," Soumitra says.
To know more about the Double Eagle systems, click here.