A new mine disposal system is to be introduced to the Royal Navy to keep its ships at the forefront of mine warfare.

The new ‘One-Shot’ mine disposal system is to be installed on both the Hunt and Sandown mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) from 2006.

Both the Hunt and Sandown classes are currently equipped with the Remote Control Mine Disposal System (RCMDS), which was introduced more than 20 years ago and is still an effective method of dealing with mines.

However, the new system will be faster to deploy, more accurate and less expensive to support than RCMDS.

Ted Morrison, Head of Section at the Defence Logistics Organisation’s Underwater Warfare Systems Integrated Project Team, said: “RCMDS has served us excellently and we will continue to use the system as the new technology is phased in.

“Introducing ‘One-Shot’ however will enable us to make savings in systems support and manpower.”

One-Shot, like RCMDS, uses an underwater vehicle to locate and destroy mines. It is light enough to be easily portable, and can be put into operation using fewer people than the RCMDS.

The remote-controlled vehicle is designed to be expendable, carries its own warhead, and uses cheaper components.

The DLO will be aiming to buy a military “off the shelf” system, saving money and time in terms of initiating, designing and developing the equipment.

Trials will be carried out before selection of the final system is made, and a package including through-life support will also be negotiated with the successful contractor.

An invitation to tender for the supply and support of One-Shot is expected to be issued in August this year.

Meanwhile, one of the Navy’s Hunt-class MCMVs has rejoined the Fleet at Faslane after undergoing maintenance work worth £2.5 million.

HMS Brecon has been in the hands of BSSL at Rosyth Royal Dockyard, where more than 20 additions and alterations were made to the vessel – including the fitting of a funnel firefighting system and an upgraded refrigeration plant.

Upkeep periods such as this are carried out on Hunt-class MCMVs every four years, and are the responsibility of the DLO.

Tony Monks, of the DLO’s Warship Support Agency, said: “Upkeep periods are essential for ensuring that vessels remain in a state of operational readiness. We are pleased the work has been carried out successfully and on budget.”

Lt Paul Stroude, Commanding Officer of HMS Brecon, said: “We are delighted that HMS Brecon is fit to rejoin the Fleet again, and look forward to returning to our duties once the final preparations are complete.”

HMS Brecon is one of three Hunt-class ships currently converted for patrol duties with the Northern Ireland squadron, based at Faslane on the Clyde.