US Navy hands out fresh contracts to enhance MCM capabilities

The US Navy has awarded a series of contracts, under the Program Executive Office, Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC), to facilitate littoral combat ship (LCS) mine countermeasures (MCM) mission package (MP) deployments.  

The US Navy is advancing its MCM capabilities with the award of several key contracts for the MCM unmanned surface vehicle (USV), a diesel-powered unmanned surface craft capable of performing minesweeping, mine hunting, and mine neutralization missions.

This USV can be launched from LCS, vessels of opportunity, or shore, and its modular design allows for integration with various payload delivery systems to support MCM operations.

Specifically, the navy awarded the first contract to Bollinger Shipyards for the MCM USV advanced material order (AMO), valued at $7.7 million. This contract, expected to be completed by September 2025, will procure the necessary materials to improve the MCM USV based on operational testing findings.

In addition, Raytheon Technologies received a production contract for the minehunt payload delivery system (MH PDS), valued at $18.3 million. This contract will produce five units, with deliveries slated for the end of FY26.

Furthermore, Textron Systems was also awarded a production contract for the minesweep payload delivery system (MS PDS), valued at $12.1 million. The contract will produce four units, with deliveries expected early in FY27.

“These contracts are essential to ensure the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships are equipped with the most advanced Mine Countermeasures systems,” said Capt. Matthew Lehmann, LCS Mission Modules program manager.

“With MCM mission packages already being deployed and further deliveries planned, these awards guarantee that our Sailors will have the modernized tools needed to operate safely and stay outside of minefields.”

According to the US Navy, both the MH PDS and MS PDS integrate within the vehicle. The MS PDS provides acoustic and magnetic minesweeping capabilities, while the MH PDS utilizes the AN/AQS-20 sonar for mine hunting.

“These investments are critical to ensuring that our Navy maintains a competitive edge in increasingly complex littoral environments,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, PEO USC program executive officer.

“By modernizing and expanding our MCM mission packages, we are enhancing our operational readiness and safeguarding global shipping lanes for future generations.”

The US Navy’s LCS Mission Modules program, part of the PEO USC within NAVSEA, oversees the design, development, and delivery of unmanned maritime systems, mine warfare systems, special warfare systems, small boats/craft, and small surface combatants.

Recently, the US Navy achieved its final key milestone in the development of unmanned surface vessel (USV) integrated capabilities by completing a continuous 720-hour power demonstration on an engine system for use aboard future USVs.