Maritime Mines

The Maritime Mines program, detailed in Line Item 3231 of the FY 2026 Navy Weapons Procurement budget, focuses on the procurement and sustainment of naval mines for sea denial, anti-surface ship, and anti-submarine warfare. The program encompasses several mine systems, including the Quickstrike (QS) family, Hammerhead Encapsulated Effector, Quickstrike Extended Range (QS-ER), and the Clandestine Delivered Mine (CDM). The goal is to maintain and modernize the Navy's mining capabilities to support operational readiness, enhance deterrence, and respond to emergent joint operational needs, particularly in contested maritime environments.

Funding for Quickstrike Mine (QS) in FY 2026 is directed toward the procurement of MOD 3 hardware, notably the MK 71 Target Detection Devices (TDDs), maintenance and programming test sets, and associated components. These procurements are essential for maintaining the operational readiness of mine systems across the naval fleet. The MOD 3 variant introduces a software-programmable TDD, allowing for optimized detection of evolving threats. The program also includes modernization and repair of test sets, which are critical for ensuring mines can be readied and deployed as needed. The increase in component procurements from FY 2026 to FY 2027 reflects the need for additional test set upgrades and a new contract for TDDs.

Hammerhead Encapsulated Effector is a moored-torpedo mine system utilizing the MK 54 lightweight torpedo as the effector, designed to engage enemy targets over a wide area. FY 2026 funding supports procurement of encapsulated effector systems, payloads, engineering, and support equipment to meet deployment inventory objectives. The system features advanced sensing, command, control, and signal processing technologies, which enhance targeting accuracy and minefield resilience. Increased funding and procurement quantities are justified by heightened operational requirements from United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), aiming to approach maximum production capacity to support maritime operations in the region.

Quickstrike Extended Range (QS-ER) represents the newest addition to the QS family, developed in response to a Joint Emergent Operational Need Statement (JEONS). The QS-ER incorporates GPS-enabled tail kits and wing kits, enabling precision mine placement and standoff delivery, thereby reducing risk to delivery aircraft. FY 2026 funding is allocated for continued procurement of primary hardware (wing kits, bomb bodies, tail kits), engineering, and support equipment (loading adapters) to fulfill inventory objectives. Unit costs are established based on technical advisory reports and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) recommendations, ensuring cost-effective acquisition.

Clandestine Delivered Mine (CDM) funding in FY 2026 is focused on hardware procurement for MK 68 MOD 1 mines, Multi-Mission Buoys (MMB), and associated system shipping containers. The CDM leverages existing MK 67 SLMM components and is designed for delivery via unmanned maritime platforms or surface vessels. The program follows an incremental approach, with MOD 1 providing enhanced security and incorporating the MK 71 TDD, while MOD 2 introduces further security features and a new explosive fill. These efforts are intended to align mine capabilities with evolving delivery platforms and operational requirements.

The Maritime Mines line item supports the Navy's strategic objectives by ensuring the availability, modernization, and operational readiness of a diverse set of mine systems. The program addresses both current sustainment needs and future capability enhancements, with procurement decisions driven by technical requirements, contract negotiations, and regional operational demands. Funding also ensures that the Navy can respond flexibly to emergent threats and maintain a credible sea denial capability in key theaters.