US Navy selects robotic mine-hunting systems to counter underwater explosive threats

The US Navy has awarded a $53.9 million contract to deliver two next-generation underwater Remote Mine Hunting (RMH) modules. The RMH system is designed to improve unmanned mine countermeasure operations by enabling remote detection and classification of underwater mines while reducing risks to sailors and naval vessels. The capability is expected to help the Navy identify and respond to maritime threats more quickly, particularly in contested operating environments. The contract was awarded to Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC), a US-based undersea warfare technology developer and subsidiary of Thales. High-resolution sonar AAC has secured a $53.9 million US Navy contract to produce and deliver two integrated RMH modules, along with engineering support. The contract includes options for additional modules that could raise its total cumulative value to approximately $196.2 million. The system is designed to help the Navy detect, locate, and classify underwater mines remotely, allowing sailors to conduct mine countermeasure (MCM) operations from safer stand-off distances. It combines advanced sonar, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted target recognition, mission management software, and remotely operated vehicle technology in an integrated package. The technology supports the Navy’s established “Find, Fix and Finish” approach to mine warfare. This involves detecting potential mine threats, establishing their precise locations and identities, and subsequently engaging them to eliminate the danger. A central component of the RMH module suite is a multiview towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS). The system is designed to generate high-resolution underwater images, allowing operators to identify potential mine threats across the seabed. Unlike conventional sonar approaches that rely on lower-resolution acoustic images, synthetic aperture sonar combines multiple acoustic measurements collected as the sensor moves through the water. This technique effectively creates a larger virtual sonar aperture, improving image resolution and helping distinguish objects from surrounding seabed features. The multiview configuration provides additional viewing perspectives of underwater objects, helping operators examine potential threats more effectively. According to Thales, the technology is also designed to reduce false target rates, potentially limiting the time spent investigating objects that are not mines. This capability is particularly important in mine countermeasure operations, where distinguishing actual explosive threats from rocks, debris, and other seabed objects can be a time-consuming process. Maps potential mine threats The RMH solution also incorporates AI-augmented Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) software applications. These tools are designed to help sailors process, classify, map, and manage the large volumes of data generated during sonar-based mine-hunting missions. The software assists operators in identifying objects that could represent mine threats and organizing the information needed to make operational decisions. By automating parts of the target recognition and classification process, the system aims to reduce the time required to find and establish the location of potential mines. Thales says the technology is intended to improve target certainty while accelerating the Navy’s ability to move from initial detection to threat assessment. The combination of high-resolution sonar imagery and AI-assisted analysis is intended to make mine-hunting missions more efficient, particularly in environments where underwater threats may be difficult to distinguish from natural seabed features. The integrated system also uses mission management software to coordinate the different technologies within the RMH module suite. Remotely operated vehicle technology provides another component of the system, supporting operations without requiring sailors to approach suspected mine locations directly. The company is integrating sonar, classification software, and future remote neutralization capabilities into a single operational solution. The planned integration of remote neutralization technology is intended to help shorten the process between detecting a mine and taking action against it. The system is also designed to support operations involving both manned and unmanned surface vessel platforms. According to experts, the program would strengthen the Navy’s mine countermeasure capabilities, fleet readiness, and operational effectiveness. By combining acoustic sensing, AI-based target recognition, and remotely operated systems, the RMH program aims to reduce the risks associated with traditional mine-hunting operations while improving the speed and accuracy of underwater threat detection.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Jijo is an automotive and business journalist based in India. Armed with a BA in History (Honors) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and a PG diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, he has worked for news agencies, national newspapers, and automotive magazines. In his spare time, he likes to go off-roading, engage in political discourse, travel, and teach languages.