BAE Systems secures major mine neutralizer contract with Korea Aerospace Industries.

BAE Systems has won a contract to adapt a new mine disposal system using Archerfish for Korean Aerospace Industries, as part of the development of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy’s new anti-mine helicopter fleet. Already in service with the US Navy, Archerfish is a remote-controlled underwater mine neutraliser that is launched and operated from surface ships, underwater vehicles and helicopters.
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By reducing the time required to identify and neutralize targets, Archerfish eliminates the need to involve divers in hazardous underwater operations (Picture source: BAE Systems)

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract worth £7.4 million to deliver a comprehensive mine countermeasure capability, along with engineering expertise and support, to Korea Aerospace Industries and the Republic of Korea Navy. The contract entails the development of new features for the technology, including a lightweight launcher and an enhanced data connection link between the aircraft and Archerfish vehicle.

Archerfish is specifically designed to overcome the challenges posed by Insensitive munition mines, while minimizing resource expenditure. Its advanced integration of the warhead and package significantly reduces clearance time by a factor of four and decreases through-life costs.

This versatile system can be launched and operated from various platforms such as surface ships, helicopters, and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Equipped with a launch "cradle" and a fiber optic data link, Archerfish offers precise control over the weapon. By utilizing high-frequency sonar and low-light video data, it effectively identifies mine threats and deploys a shaped charge warhead, leading to a complete detonation of the target.

Archerfish boasts an impressive track record, as it is already in service with the United States Navy as part of the MH60s helicopter Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS). It has also been selected as the standardized neutralizer for all United States Navy Mine Countermeasure platforms.

By reducing the time required to identify and neutralize targets, Archerfish eliminates the need to involve divers in hazardous underwater operations. The system is proudly manufactured in the UK at BAE Systems' facilities in Broad Oak, Portsmouth, Hampshire, and Hillend, Dunfermline.