Australia’s DSTO Unveils New Mine Sweeping System

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defense, Senator the Hon. Sandy Macdonald, recently unveiled a new class of highly advanced sea mine sweeping technology being developed by Australia's Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO). During a visit to DSTO Sydney, Senator Macdonald witnessed a demonstration of the new technology. The new system is based around high temperature superconducting magnet technology and represents a leap forward in magnetic mine sweeping. Australia is believed to be the only country in the world currently investigating the application of high temperature superconductors to sea mine warfare. Minesweepers are vital for keeping sea-lanes safe for naval and commercial shipping. Australia is already a leading exporter of mine sweeping equipment. This new technology is designed to complement current systems but has the added benefit of being smaller, lighter and more portable. The initial Australian Minesweeping and Support System was first conceived by DSTO in Sydney more than two decades ago. (Source: TMCnet)