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US Navy Invests in Underwater Robotics with BlueHalo to Enhance Mine Detection and Naval Operations.
BlueHalo, a company specializing in advanced underwater robotic systems for defense, announced on March 18, 2025, that it has been awarded a contract worth $30,735,784 to provide engineering and support services for its Mission Specialist Defender system. This remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) is deployed as part of the U.S. Navy's Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR) program. Awarded by the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific, the five-year contract aims to strengthen naval operations through cutting-edge technology in reconnaissance, maritime security, and mine countermeasures.
The Mission Specialist Defender and other underwater robotic systems developed by BlueHalo are engineered to meet critical mission requirements, particularly in mine countermeasures, underwater infrastructure surveillance, and operations requiring highly maneuverable and portable solutions. (Picture source: BlueHalo )
This new contract follows the $92.6 million MESR contract awarded to VideoRay in May 2024, further consolidating BlueHalo’s role as a key provider of underwater robotic systems designed for expeditionary missions and high-intensity naval operations. BlueHalo’s acquisition of VideoRay in 2024 expanded its portfolio of technological solutions, establishing the company as a leader in autonomous and remotely operated systems tailored to modern military requirements.
Jonathan Moneymaker, CEO of BlueHalo, highlighted the significance of this contract, emphasizing the U.S. Navy’s commitment to integrating commercial defense solutions to meet the evolving needs of its expeditionary forces. He underscored BlueHalo’s capability to deliver advanced robotic systems that enhance maritime security, underwater reconnaissance, and operational effectiveness in high-risk environments. This collaboration represents a strategic step in advancing the deployment of autonomous systems in military operations.
The Mission Specialist Defender and other underwater robotic systems developed by BlueHalo are engineered to meet critical mission requirements, particularly in mine countermeasures, underwater infrastructure surveillance, and operations requiring highly maneuverable and portable solutions. The Defender is distinguished by its exceptional agility, advanced payload integration, and operational flexibility, ensuring mission success in challenging maritime environments. It enables naval forces to conduct complex operations with precision and efficiency, whether neutralizing underwater threats, exploring restricted-access areas, or securing strategic maritime sites.
The U.S. Navy has long invested in underwater robotic systems to strengthen its capabilities in mine countermeasures and maritime security. Existing systems include the Mk 18 Mod 1 and Mod 2 Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), which are widely used for reconnaissance and mine detection, as well as the Remus 100 and Remus 600 autonomous underwater vehicles developed by Huntington Ingalls Industries. These platforms provide valuable data on underwater threats and environmental conditions, but most rely on pre-programmed missions with limited real-time adaptability. Additionally, the Navy deploys the SeaFox mine neutralization system, a one-time-use expendable ROV designed to eliminate identified underwater explosives. While these systems have significantly improved operational efficiency, they present limitations in operational flexibility, real-time control, and payload adaptability.
With the integration of the Mission Specialist Defender, the U.S. Navy aims to bridge these capability gaps by introducing a more maneuverable, highly adaptive ROV with real-time control and advanced payload integration. Unlike fully autonomous systems, the Defender offers precise operator-driven control, making it particularly suited for complex mine clearance, underwater surveillance, and rapid-response missions. Its modular design allows for quick adaptation to different mission profiles, and its ability to operate in confined or highly dynamic underwater environments provides an edge over existing systems. The Defender’s enhanced navigational control and payload versatility will significantly bolster the Navy’s ability to operate in contested or hazardous waters while ensuring mission safety and effectiveness.
This $30.7 million contract will enhance the U.S. Navy’s operational capabilities by integrating advanced robotic technologies. It will improve the accuracy of underwater missions, reduce human risk, and optimize military resource utilization. Furthermore, this strategic partnership reflects the growing role of autonomous systems in naval defense strategies and the U.S. Navy’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to address emerging maritime threats.