Thales to supply Pathmaster unmanned MCM system to Singaporean navy

Thales has been awarded a contract through ST Engineering to provide the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) with a Pathmaster unmanned mine countermeasures (MCM) system, the company announced on 19 May 2025.

The contract, which was actually awarded on 28 March 2025, includes the M-Cube mission management system and Towed Synthetic Aperture Sonars combined with the MiMap sonar data analysis tool, which will be fitted on an ST Engineering unmanned surface vehicle (USV). It is the first Pathmaster contract for Thales in Asia.

Thales will also provide tools to manage mine databases and a library. These will be reinforced with artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate target detection and identification, easing the workload of operators. The system will be supported by the Thales Singapore Defence Hub, which serves to maintain and service Thales equipment operated by the Singaporean armed forces and develop compatible applications that can seamlessly interface with the RSN’s systems.

Thales bills Pathmaster as “the world’s first sea-proven system”, noting that it is already in service with the British Royal Navy and the French Navy under the Maritime Mine Countermeasure (MMCM) programme.

“This latest contract award reflects the trust that the Republic of Singapore Navy places in Thales’ naval technologies,” Sébastien Gueremy, vice president of Thales’ Underwater Systems business, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “The Pathmaster system represents a significant step in the RSN’s vision for an autonomous system of systems, offering enhanced operational capabilities while reinforcing the safety of their personnel.

“As the first Pathmaster system in the Asian region, Thales strengthens its position as a key supplier to the navy, addressing the operational needs of the navy in this area,” Gueremy added. “Having successfully delivered multiple radars for major vessel programmes in the past, today we are excited to take it a step further to ensure that Singapore stays at the forefront of mine warfare in the region, safeguarding the nation’s maritime routes.”