Airborne Mine Neutralization Systems

The Airborne Mine Neutralization Systems (LI 4225) program is a Navy procurement initiative focused on enhancing the U.S. Navy's ability to counter the threat posed by sea mines. The program's primary objective is to equip MH-60S helicopters with advanced mine neutralization capabilities, particularly through the deployment of the AN/ASQ-235 Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) and its associated Archerfish Destructor combat rounds. This capability is critical for maintaining safe passage in littoral zones, confined straits, and amphibious objective areas, where mine threats can impede naval operations and logistics.

The program is managed under the Weapons Procurement, Navy appropriation, specifically within the budget activity for Other Weapons and the sub-activity for Modification of Guns and Gun Mounts. The procurement supports the Navy's Mine Countermeasure (MCM) Mission Package, which is deployed on Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and Vessels of Opportunity (VOO). The AMNS provides a rapid and effective means to reacquire and neutralize previously identified mines using expendable explosive devices, thereby reducing operational risk and ensuring fleet mobility.

For FY 2026, the program's goals include the procurement of additional Archerfish Destructors, as well as funding for associated engineering, integrated logistics support, and support equipment. The increase in procurement from prior years reflects heightened demand from the Fleet, driven by an accelerated deployment schedule and the retirement of legacy MCM platforms such as the MCM-1 and MH-53E helicopters. The transition away from older systems, including the Seafox neutralizers, necessitates a robust inventory of Archerfish units to meet the Total Munitions Requirement (TMR) and maintain warfighting ordnance capacity.

The AN/ASQ-235 Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) is the centerpiece of the line item, providing the MH-60S helicopter with the capability to neutralize both proud and moored mines. The system is deployed via the Launch and Handling System (LHS) and utilizes the Archerfish Destructor, which is an expendable, remotely operated mine neutralizer. The procurement of these systems is justified by the need to address evolving mine threats and to replace aging equipment, ensuring the Navy's continued ability to conduct mine clearance operations in contested environments.

Procurement activities are coordinated through Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), with BAE Systems in Portsmouth, UK serving as the primary contractor for the Archerfish Destructor. Contract awards are structured to optimize unit cost through stepladder pricing, which incentivizes larger quantity buys and penalizes smaller ones. The FY 2026 contract is expected to be awarded in June 2026, with deliveries scheduled to begin in June 2028, aligning with the Navy's operational requirements and deployment timelines.

In addition to hardware procurement, the program allocates resources for production engineering, integrated logistics support, technical data, and support equipment. These supporting elements are essential for the successful deployment, operation, and sustainment of the AMNS and Archerfish systems. The comprehensive approach ensures that the Fleet is equipped not only with the necessary munitions but also with the technical and logistical infrastructure required for effective mine countermeasure operations.