OREANDA-NEWS. BAE Systems has been awarded a $22.1 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to manufacture and deliver Archerfish mine neutralizers, continuing its support to the U.S. Navy's minesweeping operation.

Archerfish is a remotely-controlled underwater vehicle equipped with an explosive warhead to destroy sea mines.
 
Capable of overcoming the threat of modern mines, Archerfish has formed a key part of the Navy’s Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) program since 2007. In addition to Archerfish mine neutralizers, 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 neutralizer and the launch platform, an MH-60S helicopter deployed from the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships.
Developed by BAE Systems, Archerfish draws on the company’s expertise and extensive technology in torpedoes, naval mines, and mine hunting. The Archerfish neutralizer provides significant time and logistical advantages over current Remotely Operated Vehicle mine disposal systems.

Deliveries to the 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 $56.2 million.

“We are delighted to provide the DoD with Archerfish neutralizers, and to continue supporting the Navy’s work in clearing sea mines,” said Les Gregory, director of Product and Training Services at BAE Systems. “This important contract demonstrates BAE Systems’ ability to deliver equipment that provides greater security and resilience to modern threats around the world, and we look forward to meeting the Navy’s demand for a first-class underwater defense capability for many years to come.”