The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded BAE Systems a £15.5 (approx. $21.9) million contract for delivery of Archerfish mine neutralizers, for U.S. Navy’s minesweeping operations.
Archerfish is a remotely-controlled underwater vehicle equipped with an explosive warhead to destroy sea mines.
According to BAE Systems, Archerfish has been part of the U.S. Navy’s Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) programme since 2007. In addition to Archerfish mine neutralisers, manufactured at BAE Systems’ Broad Oak facility in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, the contract also includes the supply of fibre-optic spools.
The fibre-optic spools provide a communications link between the Archerfish mine neutraliser and the launch platform, an MH-60S helicopter deployed from the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships.
Deliveries to the U.S. Navy will begin in September 2017. The contract also includes further options which, if exercised by the DoD, could bring the total value to over £39 ($55.2) million, the company said.
Les Gregory , Product & Training Services Director at BAE Systems, said: “We are delighted to provide the Department of Defense with Archerfish neutralisers, and to continue supporting the U.S. Navy’s work in clearing sea mines.”