MINESWEEP GATHERING
22 - 23 April 2026
Tønsberg, Norway
Minesweep Gathering 2026 brings together navies and industry to discuss what’s next for minesweeping and mine countermeasures (MCM).
Designed as a practical forum, the event brings together experts from NATO allies and friends to learn from each other, meet the authorities who shape the field, and track the direction of the industry. Expect briefs on unmanned and autonomous systems, modern mine sweeping, and a planned demo to see the technology in action.
Naval mine warfare is evolving. For decades, mine hunting dominated, painstakingly detecting and destroying individual mines. But in modern conflict, where minefields are dense, unpredictable, and rapidly deployed, this time consuming and vulnerable method may no longer be enough.
Unmanned minesweeping is reshaping the war against seamines. Now by use of autonomous surface vessels to deploy acoustic, magnetic, and electric sweep systems, large areas can be cleared fast, with lowest possible risk for crews. Systems like HEMLIS, based on Norway’s proven sweeping heritage, deliver modular solutions with precise signatures that can safely neutralize even the most advances sea mines.
Minesweep Gathering 2026 starts in:
- Agenda overview -
The program will include presentations and contributions from subject matter experts representing Norwegian and German Defence Research Establishments, the Royal Norwegian Navy, and other partner nations and companies. These perspectives will support discussions on current challenges, emerging concepts, and future directions within minesweeping and Mine Countermeasures.
Day 0: Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Afternoon / Evening
- Arrival and early registration from 15:00
- Hotel check-in
- Informal networking
No formal program scheduled for Day 0.
Participants are encouraged to arrive and check in ahead of the opening of the Gathering on Wednesday morning.
Day 1: Wednesday, 22 April 2026
Morning
- Registration (From 08:00)
- Opening of the Gathering
- Strategic overview:
- The resurgence of sea mines as a contemporary threat
- Evolving operational challenges in modern mine countermeasures
- Doctrinal perspectives:
- Shifts in NATO and allied approaches to minesweeping and MCM
- Integration of sweeping and hunting within modern MCM concepts
Lunch
- Lunch served at the venue
Afternoon
- Operational perspectives on current and future minesweeping capabilities
- Technological developments and limitations of traditional and emerging systems
- Industry and research sessions addressing identified capability gaps and technical challenges
- Discussions and moderated Q&A
Evening
- Social event and dinner
- Informal networking opportunity for participants
Day 2: Thursday, 23 April 2026
Morning
- Welcome and outline of the day
- Demonstrations and practical presentations
- Unmanned systems and enabling technologies
- Sweeping concepts, sensors, and deployment solutions
- Summary and closing of the Gathering
Lunch
- Lunch served at the venue
Afternoon
- Break-out sessions
- Operational and Governmental perspectives (G2G)
- Industry and cooperation-focused discussions (B2B)
The agenda remains under development and will be updated as content and participants are confirmed.
Detailed schedule will be available upon request to event participants.
Minesweep Gathering 2026 Event Partners
