Mine and Expeditionary Warfare Advanced Technology

The Mine and Expeditionary Warfare Advanced Technology program (PE 0603782N) is a Navy research and development initiative focused on advancing technologies for mine countermeasures (MCM), expeditionary warfare, and joint explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) capabilities. The primary objective of this program is to develop and demonstrate prototype systems and components that enhance the ability of U.S. Naval and Joint EOD forces to detect, access, diagnose, render safe, and neutralize a wide range of explosive threats, including naval mines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The program aligns with Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 5160.62 and addresses requirements validated by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) and the DoD EOD Program Board.

A key focus of this program is to counter the evolving threat posed by adversarial nations that can rapidly deploy advanced naval mines and modify explosive devices for use against Joint Forces. The program supports the rapid development of technologies that can detect and neutralize mines from deep water through the littorals and into inland objectives. The goal is to provide advanced capabilities that enable joint EOD forces to operate effectively across a broad spectrum of environments and threat types. This ensures operational freedom and force protection during expeditionary and amphibious operations.

Within this program, the Shallow Water MCM Demos project is the primary line item. This project specifically develops and demonstrates prototype technologies for shallow water mine countermeasures, U.S. Naval sea mining, and expeditionary warfare systems. It aims to address the unique challenges of detecting and neutralizing mines and explosive hazards in shallow and littoral waters, where traditional MCM methods may be less effective.

The Joint EOD Demos activity under this project is focused on developing technologies that provide standoff or remote capabilities for the detection, diagnosis, render safe, and neutralization of explosive threats. Efforts include the development of advanced electromagnetic, electro-optical, radiographic, and other sensor systems for detecting explosive components, as well as the integration of multi-sensor fusion for high-confidence identification of buried and surface threats. The project also supports the development of dexterous robotic manipulators, enhanced robotic autonomy, and data visualization techniques to enable precise and efficient EOD operations.

Specific objectives for upcoming fiscal years include continued development and demonstration of advanced sensors such as optical, electromagnetic induction, ground penetrating radar, magnetometers, acoustic, and spectroscopic sensors for detecting surface and buried explosives. The program emphasizes the demonstration of robot-mounted seismic-acoustic sensors for standoff detection of buried threats, as well as the development of robotic manipulators and haptic interfaces to enable remote access to explosive hazards. Additionally, the project supports the creation and testing of man-portable prototypes for diagnosing and neutralizing explosive threats at standoff distances.

Another major objective is the advancement of rapid large area clearance technologies, which are designed to enable the swift detection, classification, and clearance of explosive threats from operational areas. This involves collective demonstrations of multiple prototype systems to evaluate their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. The program's investments are intended to provide critical science and technology transitions to acquisition programs, ensuring that validated technologies are integrated into operational capabilities for the Navy and Joint Forces.

Oversight and strategic direction for the Mine and Expeditionary Warfare Advanced Technology program are provided by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), which manages the Department of the Navy's research portfolio. The program supports higher-level guidance from the National Defense Strategy and research priorities set by the Chief of Naval Research. It is coordinated across the Naval Research Enterprise and documented in the DoD EOD Technology and Training Plan, with progress and transitions reviewed annually by the DoD EOD Program Board. The program aims to maintain U.S. maritime superiority by equipping Sailors and Marines with advanced technologies to counter current and emerging explosive threats.