Thales Secures Game-Changing Contract with Singapore Navy
The unique, sea-validated Pathmaster solution will enable the Navy to accurately detect, classify, and locate mines in one of the most trafficked maritime routes in the region, in real-time. This solution incorporates Towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar (TSAS), the MiMap sonar data analysis tool, and the M-Cube mission coordination system.
The system will be supported by the Thales Singapore Defence Hub, established in 2023 to provide maintenance, support services, and operational readiness, located close to the Singapore Armed Forces, in partnership with ST Engineering.
Maritime trade is essential for the economies of Asia. With Singapore strategically positioned at the nexus of major global shipping routes, the need for security in the Straits remains a predominant concern for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
On 28 March 2025, Thales secured a contract through ST Engineering (STE) to provide the Republic of Singapore Navy with a Mine Counter Measures system, Pathmaster, which includes the M-Cube mission coordination platform and TSAS towed sonars alongside the MiMap sonar data evaluation tool, to be integrated into ST Engineering’s unmanned surface vessel.
Thales will also supply solutions to manage mine databases and libraries. These will be enhanced with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve target detection and identification, reducing the workload on operators. The system will receive support from the Thales Singapore Defence Hub for maintenance and service, as well as for developing compatible applications that can seamlessly integrate with the RSN’s systems.
As maritime environments become increasingly congested and navies face unexpected threats and challenges, mine countermeasures have become a vital domain to ensure the sovereignty and safety of Singapore’s maritime communication lines. The advanced system is renowned for its unparalleled detection capabilities and low false alarm rate. The Thales Pathmaster solution is the first sea-validated system worldwide and is already operational with the British Royal Navy and the French Navy, under the Maritime Mine Countermeasure (MMCM) program. This contract signifies Thales’ inaugural Pathmaster agreement in Asia.
“This recent contract acquisition underscores the trust that the Republic of Singapore Navy places in Thales’ naval technologies. The Pathmaster system represents a significant leap forward in the RSN’s vision for an autonomous system of systems, offering enhanced operational capabilities while reinforcing the safety of their personnel. As the first Pathmaster system in Asia, Thales cements its status as a key provider to the Navy, meeting the operational needs in this region. After successfully delivering multiple radars for major vessel programs, we are keen to progress further to ensure that Singapore stays at the forefront of mine warfare in the region, safeguarding the nation’s maritime routes,” stated Sébastien Gueremy, VP Underwater Systems, Thales.
