Airborne MCM

The Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) program is designed to enhance the Navy's mine warfare capabilities through advanced system development and deployment. It aims to provide mobile, quick-reaction forces for global minehunting and countermeasures operations. The program emphasizes improving post-mission analysis software, integrated tactics, and training for mine warfare operations. Key objectives include reducing post-mission analysis time, improving network communications, and achieving in-stride detect-to-engage capability to ensure maritime security and freedom of the seas.

A significant component of the AMCM program is Project 4026, Net-Centric Sensor Analysis for Mine Warfare (NSAM). NSAM seeks to replace the current Organic Post Mission Analysis system with a more advanced platform that integrates all Mine Warfare sensor data into a unified tactical and environmental system. This project aims to create a collaborative environment that reduces mission timelines and enhances effectiveness by incorporating artificial intelligence capabilities for target recognition. Additionally, NSAM focuses on developing new tactics at the Mine Warfare Staff level, ensuring that these are documented and published for fleet use.

The Surface Navy Integrated Undersea Tactical Technology (SNIUTT) project supports AMCM by providing contact recognition training modules tailored to specific fleet-user needs. These modules are used in classrooms and squadrons to maintain proficiency in detecting, classifying, and identifying mine-like contacts. SNIUTT ensures operators remain skilled in using various systems such as AN/AQS-24, COBRA sensors, and NSAM PMA systems.

The AMCM program aims to transform the Navy's approach to mine warfare from platform-centered systems to a distributed, networked force capable of exerting maritime influence across diverse environments. By focusing on capability improvements and integrating advanced technologies, the program seeks to enhance operational readiness and effectiveness in addressing asymmetric threats in critical maritime zones.