USN orders more Archerfish mine neutralisers
BAE Systems has been awarded a contract worth up to £87 million ($111.69 million) by the US DoD to manufacture and deliver Archerfish mine neutralisers for the USN.
The company announced on 21 September that this is its fourth consecutive Archerfish contract since 2003.
Deliveries will be completed by 2027.
The contract also includes training support for the USN, plus the supply of ancillary mine neutralisation equipment.
Archerfish is a remote-controlled underwater mine neutraliser that can be launched and operated from a surface ship, helicopter or UUV. It is used by USN MH-60S Seahawk helicopter squadrons as part of the AN/ASQ-235 airborne mine neutralisation capability.
As an open architecture C2 system, it that can be operated on its own or integrated into a higher-level command management structure. Wireless communications mean it can be deployed remotely.
A fibre optic data link with Archerfish relays real-time, high resolution, low-light video and high-frequency sonar pictures of targets of interest from its onboard sensors. The design reduces the time it takes to identify and neutralise targets, meaning clearance missions can be completed more quickly.
BAE Systems added that work is underway to enhance Archerfish; examples include an automatic target recognition function enabling mines to be neutralised in waves.
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
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
![Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting]()
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.
