US Navy Orders Archerfish Mine Neutralisers

The remote-controlled underwater mine neutralisers can be launched and operated from a surface vessel, helicopter or UUV By Mike Ball / 22 Sep 2020

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
BAE Systems Archerfish mine neutralisers
Follow DA

BAE Systems has been awarded a £87 million (EUR 95 million) contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to provide Archerfish mine neutralisers for the U.S. Navy. Archerfish is a remote-controlled underwater mine neutraliser that can be launched and operated from a surface vessel, helicopter or an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV).

Archerfish uses a fibre optic data link to relay real-time, high resolution, low-light video and high-frequency sonar images of targets of interest, allowing naval forces to complete mine clearance missions more rapidly without putting divers at risk. The flexible, open architecture command and control system allows it to be operated as a standalone unit or integrated into a higher-level command management structure, with wireless communications for remote deployment.

BAE Systems continues to develop Archerfish for future mine countermeasure challenges, with forthcoming enhancements including innovative fusing that will allow it to be recovered and reused, and an automatic target recognition function that will allow concurrent multi-shot Archerfish operations, enabling mines to be neutralised in waves.

The system is used by the US Navy’s MH-60S Helicopter squadrons (AN/ASQ-235) as part of the Airborne Mine Neutralisation capability, deployed from the Littoral Combat Ship. BAE’s contract with the Navy includes the supply of fibre optic spool kits, support equipment, surveys, repairs and programme management and support, which will be provided by the Archerfish project team based in Portsmouth, UK.

Dr Brooke Hoskins, Director of Products and Training Services for BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business, commented: “This contract builds on our strong partnership with the US Navy which has seen BAE Systems supporting its minesweeping operations for almost two decades. Archerfish not only helps to keep sailors safer, it also reduces the number and cost of mine clearance missions. Its world-leading capability and outstanding service with the US Navy makes Archerfish a highly attractive proposition to other major naval forces around the world.”

Posted by Mike Ball Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Advanced Sonobuoys to Enhance Anti-Submarine Warfare

Thales has signed a contract with the French Defence Procurement Agency to supply the French Navy with several hundred SonoFlash sonobuoys, designed to enhance France's strategic anti-submarine warfare capabilities

Feb 06, 2025
Creomagic Demonstrates Secure Backhaul Technology for Tactical Communications

Creomagic has successfully demonstrated a robust and secure backhaul solution for mobile LTE base stations, leveraging its CreoLand MANET technology in collaboration with a key defense partner

Feb 06, 2025
New Contract to Supply NVGs to British Armed Forces

Instro, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK, will supply additional XACT nv33 Night Vision Goggles to the British Armed Forces under a £16 million contract

Feb 06, 2025
Spectrum Control’s Solutions for Managing Electromagnetic Spectrum

Defense Advancement showcases Spectrum Control's solutions including SCi Blocks, RF Conditioning and Distribution, Power Distribution, and EMI Protection

Feb 06, 2025
FlySight to Make Aero India Exhibition Debut with Mission Console & Live ATR Demo

FlySight makes its Aero India debut, showcasing the OPENSIGHT Mission Console and live Automatic Target Recognition, demonstrating cutting-edge AI-driven target detection and mission management capabilities

Feb 05, 2025
INVISIO Enhances Soldier System Integration with Acquisition of Software-Defined Hubs

INVISIO has acquired Ultra PCS’s UltraLYNX™ product line of software-defined hubs for $3.5 million, enhancing soldier-worn device integration and improving interoperability

Feb 05, 2025

Featured Content

Greensea IQ Expands Defense Leadership with Record Growth

After successful contracts for the Bayonet AUGV with the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and foreign militaries, Greensea IQ has closed a record-breaking year of growth in 2024

Jan 31, 2025
Latest Software Bundle Released for ISR Quadcopter

PDW CORE is the latest software package from PDW featuring a user-friendly touch interface, a PDW flight simulator, mission planning tools, an ATAK plug-in, and a laptop-compatible C100 updater

Jan 30, 2025
Revector’s Latest 4-Channel Covert Solution for Tactical Operations

Revector’s newly launched IMSI locator, the 4-channel Portable Covert Unit 2.0, delivers improved performance, flexibility, and rugged design, tailored for demanding security, defense, and search-and-rescue operations

Jan 27, 2025
Galvion Releases New Helmets for Military & SAR

Galvion is exhibiting new helmets at SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas, The Batlskin Hellbender TE (Tactical Edition) and the Batlskin Caiman SAR (Search and Rescue)

Jan 23, 2025
What is MIL-DTL-38999?

Micropol breaks down the definition, benefits, and roles of the MIL-DTL-38999 connector, a robust and reliable cornerstone in modern military and aerospace connectivity

Jan 21, 2025
Tyto Robotics Releases the Flight Stand 60 for Precision Testing

The Flight Stand 60 Engine Test Stand by Tyto Robotics offers a precise, versatile solution for testing internal combustion engines and propellers, providing detailed performance measurements and optimization capabilities

Jan 17, 2025