Saab to Supply Double Eagle Underwater Mine Disposal Drone to Kuwait

Defense News - Swedish defense giant Saab has clinched a contract to supply a Double Eagle undersea mine countermeasures drone to the Kuwait Naval Force, as part of a foreign military sales initiative by the US Navy aimed at bolstering Kuwait sub-surface mine disposal capabilities.

The agreement entails the delivery of a Double Eagle system configured as a Semi-Autonomous Remotely Operated Vehicle (SAROV). This advanced drone will play a crucial role in the detection, classification, and identification tasks involved in anti-mine operations.

In a bid to enhance Swedish-US collaboration, the primary development and production for Kuwait future Double Eagle will take place in Linköping, Sweden. Simultaneously, Saab Autonomous and Undersea Division in Cranston, Rhode Island, will contribute by supplying key components, working in conjunction with production sites in Sweden, Denmark, and the UK. This strategy not only supports the evolution of Stockholm technologies in the US but also strengthens Saab global presence.

Saab Rhode Island facility, unveiled in April 2022, spans 10,000 square feet and has been instrumental in overseeing various defense projects involving both Swedish and US interests. Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab US, expressed enthusiasm about introducing the production of this undersea vehicle capability to the United States. The Autonomous and Undersea Systems team, based in Rhode Island, has not only assembled a highly skilled team of undersea vehicle experts but has also expanded Saab production capabilities, positioning the company for broader market expansion in the US.

The Double Eagle drone, part of a family of remotely operated vehicles, is known for its high maneuverability and can be launched from shore or surface vessels. What sets it apart is its ability to be stored in a standard container, improving system availability and the user response to underwater explosives. The SAROV variant of the Double Eagle is versatile and can be utilized for various tasks beyond tactical counter-mine expeditions, including subsurface search, surveys, and Rapid Environmental Assessments. The drone relies on a thin fiber optics tether for real-time communication during long-range missions exceeding 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) and features an adjustable internal/hybrid battery setup for extended endurance operations.