US completes MK 18 UUV programme of record
An MK 18 UUV is deployed from a helicopter during a test flight. (Photo: US DoD)
Since the initial production lot, over 90 MK 18 Mod 2 UUVs have been provided to the USN.
Production of the Mk18 Mod 2 UUV programme of record has been completed, the USN announced on 3 February.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the uncrewed vessel project.
The system began production in 2012 with a contract to Hydroid, now owned by major naval contractor HII.
USN Expeditionary Missions programme office programme manager Capt Jon Haase said: ‘The department’s long-standing partnership with HII and their subcontractors demonstrates how mature technologies coupled with innovative acquisition approaches can speed the delivery of critical mission-enabling capabilities to our warfighting forces.’
The MK 18 Mod 2 UUVs are a critical component in the USN’s Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures (ExMCM) mission suite of capabilities.
ExMCM forces provide a rapid mine countermeasure response capability.
In July 2022, the USN awarded the Medium Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (MUUV) contract to Leidos to design, test, and manufacture a next-generation ExMCM MUUV, known as Viperfish.
Viperfish will expand on the current MK 18 Mod 2 UUVs, offering increased ExMCM capabilities.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![First Belgian-Dutch rMCM vessel launched]()
First Belgian-Dutch rMCM vessel launched
On 29 March, Naval Group launched the first of 12 mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs), M940 Oostende, under the Belgian-Dutch rMCM programme.
-
![US lacks clear plan to meet amphibious ship requirements, Marine Corps chief says]()
US lacks clear plan to meet amphibious ship requirements, Marine Corps chief says
Speaking to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee during a hearing on the Fiscal Year 2024 budget request for the USN and USMC, Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen David Berger said there was 'no plan' for the US to meet its statutory minimum requirements for amphibious warships.
-
![US Navy solicits Raytheon and Lockheed for carrier-suitable hypersonic weapon]()
US Navy solicits Raytheon and Lockheed for carrier-suitable hypersonic weapon
The USN has awarded two contracts to Raytheon Missiles and Defence and Lockheed Martin for initial development of a carrier-suitable long-range, high-speed weapon known as Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive Anti-Surface (HALO).
-
![Italian Navy secures funds for two new FREMMs amid push for a bigger fleet]()
Italian Navy secures funds for two new FREMMs amid push for a bigger fleet
Italy plans to procure two more FREMM frigates as part of a push to strengthen its naval capabilities amid an increased Russian presence in the Mediterranean.
-
![Brunei receives a first ex-Singaporean patrol vessel]()
Brunei receives a first ex-Singaporean patrol vessel
Singapore has donated two of its former patrol vessels to Brunei, with the first being commissioned on 21 March.
-
![Singapore selects Saab and ST Engineering for Multi-Role Combat Vessel]()
Singapore selects Saab and ST Engineering for Multi-Role Combat Vessel
Singapore is proceeding with a new class of warship to replace its Victory-class corvettes.
