Thales wins US Navy mine warfare contract worth up to $196.2 million including options

Detecting and classifying underwater mines at a distance

The contract was awarded by the US Navy and forms part of its mine countermeasures (MCM) mission, organized around the “Detect, Localize and Neutralize” approach. The RMH solution is designed to enable sailors to detect, localize and classify underwater mines at a distance, while operating from safer positions.

For Rob Geckle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thales in the United States and North America, “the ability to counter the threats posed by underwater mines remains fundamental to maritime security and the success of naval missions.” According to him, this program “will contribute to strengthening fleet readiness.”

Options that could bring the contract to $196.2 million

In addition to the two modules, the contract includes technical support. It also provides for options covering additional modules, which could raise its total value to $196.2 million.

This amount therefore represents a ceiling, subject to the exercise of these options, and not a sum secured at this stage. Only the initial tranche corresponds to the US Navy commitment described in the press release.

A modular suite for manned and unmanned vessels

From a technical standpoint, the RMH modular suite combines a sonar, mission management software and teleoperated vehicle technology. It is designed to meet the evolving requirements of US Navy mine countermeasures.

Mike Carnovale, President of Advanced Acoustic Concepts, stated that integrating the sonar, classification software and “future remote neutralization capabilities” into a single solution “simplifies mine countermeasures operations and accelerates the transition from detection to action, for both manned and unmanned surface vessels.”