US Navy Advances Mine-Hunting Tech With $38M in New Contracts

The US Navy has invested in multiple projects to support its Littoral Combat Ship Mine Countermeasures (LCS MCM) development.

The LCS MCM is a diesel-powered unmanned surface vehicle designed for ship and shore deployments to detect, hunt, and neutralize subsea explosives.

Contracts awarded under this initiative aim to strengthen the anti-mine capabilities of the navy’s existing LCS fleet in littoral environments.

Mission Package Acquisition

The first contract, awarded to Bollinger Shipyards, covers the supply of various materials tested to enhance the autonomous boat’s MCM capabilities for live operations.

The deal is valued at $7.7 million and is expected to be completed by September.

Meanwhile, Raytheon Technologies received an $18.3-million order to produce five Minehunt Payload Delivery Systems, with deliveries scheduled for 2026.

A third contract was signed with Textron Systems for the manufacture of four Minesweep Payload Delivery units.

This portion, valued at $12.1 million, will begin deliveries in early 2027.

An unmanned surface vehicle is craned aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30), as a part of the first embarkation of the Mine Countermeasures (MCM) mission package, April 23. The MCM mission package is an integrated suite of unmanned maritime systems and sensors which locates, identifies, and destroys mines in the littorals while increasing the ship’s standoff distance from the threat area. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vance Hand) — An unmanned surface vehicle is craned aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30). Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vance Hand/US Navy

“These contracts are pivotal to ensure that the Navy’s LCS are equipped with the most advanced and reliable Mine Countermeasures capabilities,” US Navy Unmanned Surface Craft Program Executive Officer Rear Admr. Kevin Smith explained.

“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.”