US Navy Strengthens Mine Warfare Capabilities with New Contracts to Enhance Littoral Combat Ship Operations.

The U.S. Navy, under the Program Executive Office for Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC), has awarded a series of contracts aimed at advancing the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Mission Package (MP) capabilities. These contracts will enhance the Navy’s ability to deploy state-of-the-art unmanned systems for mine countermeasure operations in littoral environments.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship Mission Module Program tests the in-port launch and recovery of the Unmanned Surface Vehicle during integration testing of the Unmanned Influence Sweep System off the littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) in San Diego. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The MCM (Mine Countermeasures) Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) is a diesel-powered, autonomous surface vessel designed for deployment from an LCS, vessel of opportunity, or shore. This modular platform can integrate multiple payload delivery systems to perform essential MCM tasks, including minesweeping, mine hunting, and mine neutralization. The awarded contracts support the Navy’s goal of equipping its fleet with cutting-edge unmanned systems to address evolving mine threats.

The Navy awarded Bollinger Shipyards a contract worth $7.7 million for an MCM USV Advanced Material Order (AMO). This contract will provide materials to enhance the MCM USV based on operational testing results, ensuring continuous improvements in performance and reliability. Completion of this contract is expected by September 2025.

A production contract valued at $18.3 million was awarded to Raytheon Technologies for the Minehunt Payload Delivery System (MH PDS). Under this contract, Raytheon will produce five units, with deliveries scheduled by the end of fiscal year 2026. The MH PDS integrates the AN/AQS-20 sonar, allowing the MCM USV to detect and classify underwater mines efficiently.

The Navy also awarded Textron Systems a $12.1 million contract for the Minesweep Payload Delivery System (MS PDS). This system provides acoustic and magnetic minesweeping capabilities for the MCM Mission Package. Textron Systems will produce four units, with delivery expected in early fiscal year 2027.

With the first deliveries of the MCM MP underway and deployments closely following, it is critical to ensure the necessary contracts are in place to procure and deliver mission packages to the Fleet. Capt. Matthew Lehmann, LCS Mission Modules program manager, emphasized the importance of these acquisitions, stating that the contract awards ensure Littoral Combat Ships will continue to receive modernized MCM equipment needed to conduct their missions safely while keeping Sailors out of the minefield.

Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, PEO USC program executive officer, also highlighted the strategic significance of these contracts. He stated that equipping LCS with advanced and reliable Mine Countermeasures capabilities is essential as threats in the littoral environment continue to evolve. Investments in these mission packages not only enhance operational readiness but also demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding Sailors and maintaining a competitive edge.

The LCS MCM Mission Package is a key component of the Navy’s broader mine warfare strategy, leveraging modular and flexible systems to conduct mine countermeasure missions without exposing personnel to danger. It consists of a combination of unmanned and autonomous systems integrated with LCS platforms to perform minesweeping, mine hunting, and mine neutralization. The package includes the MCM USV, which can carry different payload delivery systems, such as the Minehunt Payload Delivery System (MH PDS) and the Minesweep Payload Delivery System (MS PDS), to enhance the Navy’s capability to detect, classify, and neutralize naval mines.

The MH PDS, featuring the AN/AQS-20 sonar, is designed to detect, classify, and identify mines using a high-resolution, side-scan sonar system, allowing the USV to conduct minehunting missions autonomously. The MS PDS, on the other hand, provides an advanced minesweeping capability that simulates the magnetic and acoustic signatures of ships, tricking mines into detonating safely away from naval assets.

The Navy’s LCS Mission Modules program office, part of PEO USC within NAVSEA, is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering the Navy’s unmanned maritime systems, mine warfare systems, and small surface combatants. The latest contract awards reflect the Navy’s continued focus on modernizing its fleet with innovative MCM solutions, ensuring that U.S. forces maintain operational access to key maritime regions and that global shipping lanes remain secure.