The Raegris are producing a replacement for SPECNES for the DDS and it is hoped this new system, DMS will be ready for service trial sometime next year. The DDS are currently negotiating with the HCS for the spares needed to restore their remaining SPECNES as well as the latest software update, it is thought with the current thaw in relations the Clones will be willing to sell. Even this, however, would mean only 1 of the extra Pentekonter-Ms will have minesweeping equipment however as all the ships are to undergo an update next year it is thought the available units can be transferred from ships going into refit to keep a force of 8 going.
Pentekonter-M Update 2109 will take place next Summer and will include updates to the main tactical software, improved datalinking, provision for externally mounted TPMs (the so-called TPM cannister round) and improved interiors as part of the DDS effort to reduce fragmentation and battle blast damage.
The other part of the minesweeping system is Pave Yellow, a mysterious system which the DDS do not like to talk about much, but is thought to synchronize the minesweeping assets with seamless data transfer and control. Currently 3 Isometric frigates are fitted with Pave Yellow and are known as minesweeping directors. However the DDS are currently working on Pave Yellow 2.0 which will be carried by Rome corvettes in a tactical module. It is thought using Isometrics for minesweeping directors is overkill and also means ships in refit could mean minesweeping cannot be carried out even if Pentekonter-Ms are available. Pave Yellow 2.0 will work with DMS and SPECNES and will be rolled out next year. The Pave Yellow Isometrics will have their systems removed when they have their scheduled ILU over the next couple of years.
