Mine Development

The Mine Development program element (PE 0604601N) within the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget is focused on advancing the capabilities of naval mines to support sea control, area denial, and force protection missions. The overarching objective is to ensure the U.S. Navy can establish and maintain control of critical maritime areas by denying adversary access or inflicting damage on enemy vessels. This program supports the development, demonstration, and integration of advanced mine systems that address evolving threats, particularly in the context of major regional conflicts and near-peer competitors.

0267: Mine Improvements is a key project within the Mine Development program, targeting enhancements to the Quickstrike (QS) mine family and the Clandestine Delivered Mine (CDM) MK68. The goals for Quickstrike Mod 3 include improving mine effectiveness against modern threats by incorporating a programmable Target Detection Device (TDD) MK-71 and updating minefield planning software with new targeting algorithms and optimized mine settings. Quickstrike-Extended Range (QS-ER) aims to reduce risk to delivery aircraft by enabling precision, mid-range standoff delivery through the addition of GPS-enabled tail and wing kits. The CDM MK68 is being adapted for deployment from Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs), enhancing the Navy's ability to conduct mining operations in contested environments with reduced risk to personnel.

Within 0267: Mine Improvements, specific objectives for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include updating planning software for Quickstrike Mod 3, developing and analyzing Safe and Arming Device (S&A) alternatives, and advancing the integration and qualification of new explosive sections for the CDM. Testing and evaluation activities focus on certifying the QS-ER for B-52 aircraft delivery, qualifying new warhead fills, and ensuring the safety and reliability of CDM upgrades. The program also emphasizes ongoing programmatic and financial support to ensure timely development and fielding of these mine systems.

2993: Encapsulated Effector (Hammerhead) is another significant line item, designed to complement shallow-water mines by providing a deep-water maritime mining capability. The Hammerhead system employs a self-contained, propelled weapon with advanced sensing and processing to engage enemy targets at extended ranges. The program leverages Section 804 authority for rapid acquisition and focuses on integrating existing kinetic payloads, expanding minefield coverage, and maintaining resilience even as weapons are expended.

The Hammerhead program also includes the transition of the Compact Encapsulated Effector (C-ENCAP) technology, managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), to further enhance operational flexibility. For 2993: Encapsulated Effector, FY 2025 and FY 2026 objectives include completing development and integration of the C-ENCAP system, conducting production readiness reviews, achieving initial operational capability, and developing new delivery carriages and explosive fills. The program plans to upgrade energy and sensor modules, submit engineering change proposals, and complete test and evaluation activities, including operational assessments and initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) events. The acquisition strategy involves leveraging Navy warfare center expertise for requirements analysis and system architecture, with the prime contractor responsible for design, integration, and production.

9999: Congressional Adds includes a FY 2025 congressional add for powered Quickstrike mine development. The objective is to conduct operational demonstrations and technology demonstrations for one or more prototypes of a powered Quickstrike variant. This effort is intended to explore new delivery concepts and propulsion technologies that could further enhance the effectiveness and flexibility of naval mining operations. Engineering support for this initiative is provided by facilities in Panama City, FL, and Ridgecrest, CA.

The Mine Development program is structured to address both current and emerging operational requirements through a combination of incremental upgrades to legacy mine systems and the development of new, advanced mining capabilities. The program supports joint operational needs, leverages unmanned platforms, and incorporates modern sensing, targeting, and delivery technologies. These efforts are essential for maintaining the Navy's ability to conduct effective maritime area denial and sea control operations in complex and contested environments.