USN needs more Airborne Mine Neutralization Systems
An Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) being lowered from a USN helicopter. (Photo: USN/Ron Newsome)
AMNS neutralises moored mines or mines that have been laid on the seabed.
The USN is acquiring more Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) units from Raytheon Missiles and Defense under a $16.79 million contract modification, the DoD announced on 26 May.
The modification includes options that, if exercised, would raise the cumulative value of the AMNS contract to $68.55 million.
Work is expected to be completed by March 2024 or March 2027 if all options are exercised, the DoD added.
The AMNS is designed to explode bottom and moored mines by using an expendable device.
The system will be deployed from USN MH-60S Seahawk helicopters as part of the mine countermeasures mission module for the Littoral Combat Ship.
Currently, USN helicopter squadrons employ the BAE Systems Archerfish as part of the AN/ASQ-235 airborne mine neutralisation capability.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![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.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
