The Huon-class coastal minehunters were specifically engineered to operate in the high-risk environment of naval minefields. Based on the Italian Gaeta-class, these vessels were unique for their "monocoque" hull construction—made of single-skin glass-reinforced plastic without internal ribs—to provide maximum shock resistance and a low magnetic signature. Operated out of HMAS Waterhen in Sydney, the ships utilize a Variable Depth Sonar (VDS) and "Double Eagle" remotely operated vehicles to detect and neutralize underwater threats. While several vessels in the class have been decommissioned as the Navy moves toward autonomous mine-countermeasure systems, the remaining ships continue to ensure the safety of Australia's critical shipping lanes.
