Going hunting

An editorial examining modern naval mine hunting doctrine, technology, and the capability gaps facing Western navies in mine countermeasures (MCM) operations. The piece addresses the growing threat of sophisticated sea mines in contested littoral environments and the role of autonomous systems in future MCM. It covers the transition from legacy minesweepers to unmanned underwater and surface MCM platforms. Relevant to ongoing NATO and U.S. Navy investments in autonomous MCM capability development.