French defense contractor Thales announced on March 28, 2025, that it has secured a contract through ST Engineering to supply its state-of-the-art Pathmaster Mine Warfare system to the Singapore Navy. This contract marks the first export of the Pathmaster system, which is already in operation with the British and French Navies as part of the MMCM (Maritime Mine Countermeasure) / SLAMF program.

The main components of the Pathmaster system that Thales will supply to the Singapore Navy include:

MiMap: A mission analysis tool that efficiently surveys the seabed by analyzing real-time or recorded sonar data, classifies and identifies contacts, and reports changes in specific sea areas.
M-Cube: A mine countermeasures mission management system that can be integrated into both conventional minehunters and autonomous mine disposal systems. When combined with MiMap, it is considered a world-class agile mine countermeasures Command and Control (C2) system that reduces the cognitive load on commanders and operators, supporting effective and efficient decision-making in threat environments.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) based database and library management tools: Tools for managing mine databases and libraries, utilizing AI technology to facilitate target detection and identification and reduce the workload of operators.
These systems will be integrated and installed on future Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) designed by ST Engineering. Singaporean defense company ST Engineering announced at IMDEX Asia 2025 that it had signed a contract to supply a series of Mine Countermeasure (MCM) unmanned systems to the Singapore Navy.

According to a report by Naval News, the M-Cube mission management system will be customized by the Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to accommodate specific national equipment. For example, the integration of the French Exail's K-STER expendable mine disposal system is highly likely. The Singapore Navy has been utilizing USVs and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) for mine warfare for about five years and is an existing user of both Thales' T-SAS (an earlier version) and Exail's K-STER systems. These systems are operated from both the Venus 19 USV and the Bedok-class mine countermeasures vessels. ST Engineering's future USVs are expected to replace the aging Bedok-class and operate from Singapore's future 'mothership for unmanned systems,' the Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV). The Singapore Navy is a leader in implementing autonomous systems and minimally manned solutions in the naval domain.

Thales will also provide mine database and library management tools, which will be enhanced with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to facilitate target detection and identification and reduce the workload for operators. System maintenance and services will be supported by the Thales Singapore Defence Hub, which will also be responsible for developing compatible applications that can seamlessly integrate with the Singapore Navy's systems.

Alexis Morel, Vice President of Naval Systems at Thales, said, "Thales is grateful for the trust the Singapore Navy has placed in our naval technology. The Pathmaster system contributes to the RSN's vision for autonomous unmanned mine countermeasures capabilities, providing enhanced operational situational awareness and increased safety for personnel. Supported by the Thales Singapore Defence Hub, Thales reinforces its position as a major naval supplier, having successfully delivered numerous radars for past major vessel programs. Today, we are pleased to go a step further by providing a cutting-edge mine countermeasures solution that will contribute to Singapore's protection of its national sea lanes."

MiMap is a mission analysis tool that allows operators to analyze real-time or recorded sonar data during missions. With MiMap, the seabed can be efficiently surveyed, contacts can be classified and located, and changes from the last known state of a specific sea area can be reported.

M-Cube is a mine countermeasures mission management system that can be integrated into both conventional minehunters and autonomous mine disposal systems. Combined with MiMap, it reduces the cognitive load on commanders and operators, enabling effective and efficient decision-making in threat environments. It is a world-class agile mine countermeasures Command and Control (C2) system with the potential to provide users with a significant technological advantage.

Thales' Pathmaster system (including MiMap and M-Cube solutions) is currently in operation with the British and French Navies as part of the MMCM / SLAMF program.

This contract with Singapore is the first export contract for the Thales Pathmaster system.

Additional Information:

Mine Warfare: Military activities aimed at eliminating or minimizing the threat of naval mines and ensuring the freedom of naval operations for friendly forces. This includes processes such as mine searching, identification, and disposal.
Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV): A surface vessel that is remotely controlled or operates autonomously, capable of performing various maritime missions without risking human lives. In addition to mine warfare, they are used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and oceanographic surveys.
Sonar: Equipment that uses sound waves underwater to detect the presence, location, and movement of objects. It is essential equipment for mine detection.
Command and Control System (C2): A system used by commanders to direct and control military units effectively during operations. It provides functions such as real-time information sharing, situational awareness, and decision support.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technology that enables computers to perform functions such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving by mimicking human intelligence. In the military field, it is used for target recognition, data analysis, and autonomous system control.
ST Engineering: A leading defense and engineering company in Singapore that designs and manufactures various military equipment, including naval vessels and unmanned systems.
IMDEX Asia (International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference Asia): The largest biennial maritime defense industry exhibition and conference in the Asia-Pacific region, held in Singapore.

This export contract for Thales' Pathmaster system is considered a significant step forward in the Singapore Navy's plan to enhance its future unmanned mine countermeasures capabilities. The combination of Thales' proven technology and ST Engineering's unmanned platform integration capabilities is expected to contribute greatly to ensuring the maritime safety of Singapore. Furthermore, this contract marks an international recognition of the excellence of the Thales Pathmaster system and is expected to have a positive impact on expanding exports to other navies in the future.

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