**2.3. Mine hunting, sweeping and neutralization [10]**

Major physical oceanographic data for the mine warfare consist of current patterns, salinity,

Bathymetry forms the boundary condition for all fluid motions and can extend beyond the local region. Ocean currents are long-time-scale fluid flows arising from a wide variety of processes, such as direct wind forcing and tides. The complexities of forces driving current flow require to work together with meteorological and oceanographic analysis. They also determine how these forces are interacting with each other, understand the time scale of

Mine laying and mine countermeasure operations are parts of the main subsystem of mine warfare operations [6]. Better priority weight should be given to the technical exploitation of threat mines, mine warfare indications and warning (I&W) tasking. There are several points of consideration in mine warfare at the combat zone or landing assault area. Thus, currently, both near-term and long-term mine reconnaissance systems (NMRS and LMRS) are developed to expand organic and dedicated MCM capabilities. The MCM command center should disseminate them at all command levels and provide rules of engagement (ROE) to counter hostile miners and relevant environmental databases, such as the mine warfare environmental

Naval ISR group is collecting and processing any potential data and information in order to develop optimized mine detection procedure and clearance capabilities, organic to carrier and surface battle groups (CV). With those ISR information and operational procedures, naval forces can identify, avoid or neutralize mines within tactically acceptable time limit and with minimum operational risk [9]. On-scene MCM capabilities, through introduction of organic capabilities into all carrier battle group (CVBGs) and surface battle groups, would be com‐

Major MIW capabilities include intelligence collection and surveillance, notification of imminent mining, interdiction, postinterdiction intelligence evaluation and dissemination and passive MCM threat awareness and signature control. With wide dissemination and availa‐ bility of the battle space information, the MCM control center has to communicate frequently

Communication systems related to the mission operations are data communication links where tactical maneuvering information on MCM missions is exchanged. Each division on communication links is evaluated through communication quality of data, security and interoperability. As organized supporting systems, and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence (C4I) are introduced into the naval forces. Effective C4I systems must allow MCM functions to be performed from variety of platforms with highly dynamic environment. Database systems for mine identifications will include such features as highresolution environmental mapping data and explicit simulations. It can be used for doing

variability driving current flow and understand how this may affect the mission [5].

decision aids library (MEDAL) and the contingency planning tool [2].

pleted with completion of MCM communication and control network systems.

**2.2. Communication and control (C2) in MCM operations**

as the real-time development changes so far.

detailed operational planning, training and rehearsing [8].

temperature, bottom status and clarity of water of the area [8].

130 Autonomous Vehicle

In the MCM operations, there is many data sensed and produced to detect, identify, classify mines and start sweeping and neutralization operations. Active countermeasures are ways to clear a path through a minefield or remove it completely. This is one of the most important tasks of any MCM fleets and task forces. Minesweeping is either a contact sweep, a wire dragged through the water by one or two ships to cut the mooring wire of floating mines, or a distance sweep that mimics a ship to detonate the mines.

Mine hunting is different concepts and operations from minesweeping, although some mine hunters can do both operations. Mines are hunted using sonar, side scan sonar or synthetic aperture sonar, then inspected, classified and destroyed either by remote controlled or by divers unmanned vehicle systems. Mine hunting started as mine was used, but it was only after the Second World War that it became truly effective [11].

A more drastic MCM method is mine breaking which is simply to load a cargo ship with cargo that makes her less vulnerable to sinking and drive her through the minefield, letting the ship to be protected follow the same path. An updated form of mine breaking is application of small unmanned systems that simulate the acoustic and magnetic signatures of larger ships and are built to neutralize mines. In future, more autonomous unmanned systems are involved in every step of minesweeping and neutralization operations due to safety of human beings and effectiveness of MCM operations. Applications of RF and laser optic technology are considered as potential alternative methods of efficient underwater communication systems [3].
