Denmark and Finland have signed agreements with Finnish company Forcit to procure its BLOCKER naval mine system.
Both acquisitions fall under the Finland-led International Naval Mines Cooperation (NMC) initiative, which also involves Germany, Lithuania, and Norway.
In June, the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command signed a contract with Forcit on behalf of all five participating countries. The Finnish government valued the deal at “hundreds of millions of euros.”
The NMC initiative aims to facilitate joint procurement and strengthen cooperation on logistics, training, exercises, and system life-cycle management.
“Naval mines are an important part of Lithuania’s defense, helping to ensure security in the Baltic Sea,” Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Robertas Kaunas said.
“We are not the only ones purchasing this mine system, so we will coordinate our efforts and ensure interoperability with allies. The capability provided by naval mines strengthens collective defense and deters potential adversaries.”
Commander Steen Balslev, head of the maritime division at Denmark’s Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, said the purchase would strengthen Copenhagen’s maritime defense and interoperability with allies.
“Through international cooperation, we can acquire an important capability together while strengthening cooperation on materiel and operational requirements across countries,” he said.
BLOCKER Naval Mine
BLOCKER is a smart influence sea mine that carries an explosive charge equivalent to more than 1,000 kilograms (2,204.62 pounds) of TNT.
It can be deployed by boat, ship, or helicopter and remain active on the seabed for up to two years, the company said.
Its multi-sensor target detection system incorporates acoustic, pressure, magnetic, and inertial sensors. An optional photonic sensor can also be integrated.
Users can program the system’s detection and detonation algorithms to account for different target signatures and operational requirements.
Forcit also provides programming devices and tools for developing, testing, and updating the detection algorithms. The company said BLOCKER is armed only after reaching the seabed.