Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDV)

US-built MK VIII Mod 1 SDV

2/4/6 man mini-submarines are used to transport SBS sabotage teams into enemy shorelines and harbors or to clandestinely approach MCT objectives. The mini-subs are launched from submarine motherships, often many miles from the final objective. The SBS have used a mixture of home-grown SDVs and off-the-shelf U.S. models.

It's reported by Jane's Fighting Ships that the SBS bought at least 3 Mk VIII Mod 1 SDVs from US manufacturers in 1999. These battery-powered mini-subs are able to carry 6 SBS frogmen up to 36 nautical miles.

According to reports, the SBS's ability to deploy SDVs ended when HMS Spartan, the only UK submarine equipped with the dry dock facilities required for SDV operations, was withdrawn from service in 2006. New 'Astute' class submarines with suitable dry docks will come into service in 2009. Until then, the SBS will have to find other ways to sneak ashore.

« boats index