A few years ago, the RDN ended the use of dedicated MCM units. To maintain the capability, we had to rethink the MCM concept and find a cost efficient, yet effective alternative. The solution was a modular, containerized, and remotely operated MCM system reusing relevant systems from decommissioned ships. The command-and-control systems were updated, and surface drones and the underwater robots were reconfigured to create a more flexible system to conduct the full spectrum of MCM operations.
Today’s command modules are containerized versions of the combat information centers from previous MCM vessels. The entire MCM system can be operated from the command modules, which can be positioned ashore or embarked on board RDN warships, other allied ships, or even on merchant ships. [emphasis added]
That possibility of putting military systems on merchant ships was the core of my proposal to use container ships as modularized auxiliary cruisers, which I dubbed The AFRICOM Queen for its usefulness along the long littoral regions of Africa.
I saw the use of large container ships as the building block of such an auxiliary warship.
Will Denmark equip a small The Copenhagen Queen for Baltic Sea missions?
