US plans five-year EOD boat programme
The US Navy's explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and salvage diving specialists are poised to acquire up to 80 new 9m rigid-hull inflatable boats over the next five years.
The Multi-use EOD Response Craft (MERC) will be fielded in three variants: with an enclosed cabin, an open centre console (OCC), and an open design for use by the Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center (NOMWC).
With a service life of up to 15 years, the MERC will replace ageing boats (pictured above) used by Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's EOD teams and Mobile Diving and Salvage Units. Likely tasks include casualty evacuation and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
