![]() ![]() In recent decades the use of naval mines has increased, and their potential use by terrorist and criminal organisations has added another dimension to the threat. Since the Corfu Channel incident in 1946 the threat of naval mines has been a regular feature of international conflict and crisis. The use of naval mines and the need for effective mine countermeasures (MCM) has been one of the most notable features of naval operations in the post World War II era. In the Australian geo-strategic environment, mines are a particularly effective method of interdicting sea communications in the archipelagic choke points of South-East Asia. ![]() The low cost and highly effective nature of mines means that economically constrained countries or non-government groups may be able to employ a destructive capability out of all proportion to its cost. They can be laid by aircraft, submarines and surface vessels, covertly and without advance warning. They can be used at all levels of conflict, particularly in the early stages where political pressure can be exerted without fear of immediate higher level retaliation. Mines can be used in small numbers to sink ships, or in large numbers to blockade ports and deny sea areas to an adversary. The maritime mine is a cheap, effective weapon that can be used in a variety of ways to achieve different strategic or tactical objectives. ![]() offensive, defensive and protective mining.explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD), and demolition of ordnance and explosive devices and.protection of Sea Lines of Communication.hydrographic reconnaissance, survey and clearance of obstacles.timely clearance of ports, port approaches, off-shore resource installations, choke points and focal areas.mine surveillance and reconnaissance operations to establish the presence or absence of mines.The Australian Defence Force (ADF) MW force must be able to conduct: MW forces need to be capable of deploying throughout Australia’s area of strategic interest to conduct mine countermeasures operations in order to ensure the safe transit of naval units and commercial shipping through mine threat areas. The ability to counter the potentially serious threat to national security and trade posed by covertly laid sea mines requires an effective and balanced Mine Warfare (MW) capability incorporating a combination of minehunting, minesweeping, clearance diving, and mining capabilities. Mining can occur in any level of conflict and the sea mine represents a viable threat to Australia and its interests that cannot be ignored. ![]()
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