The UK has initiated a project to provide Ukraine’s State Special Transport Service (SSTS) with a small Uncrewed Surface Vehicle fitted with towed sonar for the purpose of localizing mines for subsequent clearance. The system is to be used along rivers, in inland and near-shore shallow waters.

It must be portable so that a couple of operators can handle it without needing a crane. Length is required not to exceed 1.7 meters, width no more than 1 meter, with a weight not exceeding 55 kg.

The mission payload will be a dual frequency side-scan sonar with single beam echosounder. It will be operated through existing hydrographic survey software such as Hydromagic, Hypack, Qinsy (pictured) or “equivalent”.

It will operate at slow speed (no more than 5 knots) in order to gather bathymetry, side-scan imagery and accurate localization of objects in the water.

The USV must come with dual mode control, enabling automatic patterns but also remote control from ranges exceeding 500 meters.

The invite to tender has been issued by Chemonics Group UK Limited, which is implementing the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine Phase 2 (PFRU-2): a multi-donor-funded programme managed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to ensure the resilience of the Ukraining State in its essential services and infrastructure.

The system is also described as “Surface Self-Propelled Sonar System” and the deadline for submissions is the coming 28 November. Contract award should follow already in the second half of December, with operations to start early in 2026 (January – March).

The device will enable the mapping of mines and unexploded ordnance hazards in Ukraine’s waterways without exposing divers to unnecessary risk. Chemonics could award one or more contracts depending on the entries that will be received.

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