Three major American defense contractors have been awarded significant contracts by the U.S. Navy aimed at enhancing the service’s autonomous mine countermeasure (MCM) capabilities. These contracts encompass critical technological advancements that will bolster the Navy’s operations in maritime environments.
Raytheon Technologies has received a contract worth $18.3 million to provide a minehunt payload delivery system (MH PDS) specifically designed for the Navy’s MCM Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). The defense contractor is expected to deliver a total of four advanced minehunt units by the end of 2026. This system is instrumental for the MCM USV, which is designed to autonomously conduct mine detection and neutralization operations.
Textron Systems has also been awarded a $12.1 million contract to supply the minesweep payload delivery system (MS PDS), scheduled for delivery by 2027. The MS PDS will equip the unmanned vessels with advanced acoustic and magnetic capabilities, significantly enhancing their minesweeping effectiveness against underwater threats.
Furthermore, Bollinger Shipyards has secured a $7.7 million contract for the MCM USV Advanced Material Order, aimed at providing essential components to improve its anti-mine vessel based on operational testing findings. Deliveries for this contract are expected to be completed by September 2025.
The MCM USV is an autonomous diesel-powered vessel, designed for a variety of functions including minesweeping, mine hunting, and mine neutralization. Its modular architecture allows for deployment either from littoral combat ships (LCS) or directly from shore.
The integration of Raytheon’s MH PDS with the advanced AN/AQS-20 sonar system will empower the MCM USV to detect and neutralize naval mines accurately. In conjunction with Textron’s MS PDS, the unmanned vessel will be fortified against mines, ensuring it can effectively operate in contested maritime regions.
Capt. Matthew Lehmann, program manager for LCS Mission Modules, emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “As we continue to face evolving threats in the littoral environment, these investments not only enhance our operational readiness but also demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding our sailors and maintaining a competitive edge. By modernizing and expanding our MCM mission packages, we are providing our forces with the tools necessary to maintain access to key maritime regions and keep global shipping lanes safe.”
The MCM USV is anticipated to enter active deployment later this year, marking a significant advancement in the Navy’s capabilities to contend with maritime threats and ensure safe passage through vital shipping lanes. The modernization initiatives reflect a proactive approach to maintaining naval superiority in increasingly complex operational environments.
