Mine and Expeditionary Warfare Applied Research

The Mine and Expeditionary Warfare Applied Research Program Element (PE 0602782N) is a Navy research and development initiative focused on advancing technologies for mine countermeasures (MCM), expeditionary warfare, naval sea mining, Naval Special Warfare (NSW), and Joint Tri-Service Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). The program aims to address the persistent threat posed by sea mines, which have historically caused significant damage to U.S. Navy vessels. Its goal is to develop and transition new capabilities that enable rapid minefield detection, neutralization, and clearance, supporting safe maneuver of naval and joint forces from ship to shore and maintaining maritime superiority.

Mine Technology efforts within this program are dedicated to the development and demonstration of advanced undersea weapons and next-generation mining concepts. Objectives include enhancing target detection devices (TDDs) through miniaturization and improved sensing modalities, developing remote-controlled mine technologies, and advancing naval mine subcomponents for better packaging, communications, and energetics. These activities support the fleet's demand for innovative mining capabilities and ensure continued expertise in naval mine technology.

Mine/Obstacle Detection focuses on applied research to extend detection ranges and improve accuracy in identifying mines and obstacles, particularly in challenging environments. This includes the development of novel sonar, magnetic gradiometer, and electro-optic (EO) technologies, as well as sensor integration onto unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The program also advances machine learning algorithms for target recognition, adaptive control systems for bio-inspired vehicles, and data fusion techniques to reduce operator workload. These efforts are closely aligned with the Oceanographer of the Navy and support environmental data collection and research vessel operations.

Mine/Obstacle Neutralization activities are aimed at enabling rapid neutralization of mines and obstacles to facilitate joint force maneuver from ship to inland objectives. Research includes the development of lethality and vulnerability models, advanced minesweeping techniques for influence mines, and robotic technologies for target interaction and neutralization. The program also initiates work on advanced energetics tailored for undersea environments and integration with autonomous platforms, ensuring enduring applied research investment in undersea lethality.

Special Warfare/EOD research supports the development of technologies to extend the standoff range and decrease time on target for special operations and EOD forces in complex environments. Key objectives include improving sensor technologies for autonomous and handheld sonar systems, enhancing diver situational awareness and mobility, developing advanced robotic manipulators and haptics, and creating compact sensors for ordnance detection and threat diagnosis. These technologies are intended to transition to Naval EOD, NSW, Joint Service EOD, and DOD Technical Response Group programs, with the aim of increasing operational effectiveness and safety.

Congressional Adds for FY 2025 include an allocation for geophysical sensing and characterization of the mine-hunting environment. This initiative seeks to improve the understanding of environmental factors affecting mine detection and clearance operations, supporting the development of more effective mine countermeasure strategies.

The Mine and Expeditionary Warfare Applied Research Program is managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and supports guidance from the National Defense Strategy and requirements set by Navy leadership. The program leverages input from stakeholders across the Naval Research Enterprise, combatant commands, and Marine Corps. It is designed to exploit scientific breakthroughs to deliver warfighting benefit. By investing in applied research at Technology Readiness Levels 2 to 4, the program aims to advance new capabilities from concept to deployment, ensuring the Navy and Marine Corps maintain technological superiority in mine warfare and expeditionary operations.