The US Department of Defense has taken a significant step forward in the realm of autonomous undersea warfare by awarding a $24.9 million contract to Northrop Grumman. This initiative, known as the Full Spectrum Undersea Warfare Innovative Naval Prototype Autonomous Undersea Exploitation effort, focuses on enhancing the autonomous undersea threat detection capabilities of the US Navy.
At the heart of this program is the development of advanced sonar-based perception and exploitation capabilities, which will involve the creation of specialized algorithms and sensor systems. According to a Department of Defense contracting notice, the work is essential for developing techniques that enhance autonomy in sensing and reaction, ultimately ensuring the viability of persistent undersea systems. This includes critical components such as sonar design, real-time processing, perception, and automation.
The contract was procured through a competitive bidding process and is overseen by the Office of Naval Research, part of the US Department of the Navy. At the time of the contract’s award, $50,000 has been allocated for fiscal year 2025. The work on this project will take place in Annapolis, Maryland, and is projected to reach completion by March 2030.
This 60-month venture signifies a long-term commitment to advancing the capabilities of the US Navy in undersea operations, addressing the complexities of modern underwater warfare through innovative technological solutions. There are no additional options associated with this contract, marking a clear focus on the tasks outlined within the project’s timeline and objectives.
