The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is acquiring new, smart sea mines that are deployable from submarines, ships and aircraft from Rheinmetall-owned RWM Italia.
The contract includes provision for the transfer of technology and expertise to Australia to enable local manufacturing and maintenance of the sea mines.
This includes potentially providing electronics services and recurring maintenance; and potentially filling the sea mines with Australian-made explosives and assembling them in Australia.
Delivery is expected to commence in 2023.
The quantity and types of sea mines that Defence will acquire remain classified.