USN asks Hydroid for MK 18 payload upgrade hardware
The MK 18 UUV for the USN is based on the Remus 600. (Photo: Hydroid)
MK 18 UUV to receive Increment II hardware.
Huntington Ingalls Industries underwater technology subsidiary Hydroid is providing Increment II payload upgrade hardware to the USN in support of the MK 18 Mod 2 Unmanned Underwater Vehicle programme.
Work on the $74.7 million IDIQ contract, awarded by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, is scheduled for completion in April 2026.
Based on the Remus 600, the USN MK 18 is a highly configurable vehicle with a maximum operating depth of 600m.
Deployable from vessels as small as an 11m rigid hull inflatable boat and with a maximum mission duration of 24h, the vehicle can be outfitted with a broad range of sensors to meet the requirements of missions such as organic mine countermeasure, hydrographic survey, area search, surveillance and reconnaissance.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?]()
What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?
As new details emerge on the UK Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, three main areas of opportunity for new technology are the focal point.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
