Small & Medium UUV

The Small & Medium UUV program, managed by the Navy, focuses on developing and procuring unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) to enhance maritime operations. This initiative includes the Lionfish (Small UUV) and Viperfish (Medium Maritime Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures UUV), designed for shallow and very shallow water environments. These vehicles are integral to the Navy's expeditionary mine countermeasures strategy, providing capabilities for detecting and engaging undersea mines. They can be deployed from various platforms, including small boats, surface ships, submarines, or larger UUVs.

A primary objective of the program is to support the Navy's Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPOE) and Mine Warfare (MIW) capabilities. The Lionfish UUVs enable access to high-threat areas in maritime domains, expanding operational reach into littoral zones while reducing risks to personnel and manned platforms. These vehicles also provide enhanced situational awareness and facilitate access and placement in strategic locations. The program includes procurement of mission support equipment for the Lionfish systems to ensure operational readiness.

The Knifefish Surface Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (SMCM UUV) is another component aimed at clandestine mine detection against volume and bottom mines, including buried mines. This system comprises two UUVs with supporting batteries and launch systems. The Razorback variant is designed for persistent ocean sensing and data collection to support submarine missions. It features two configurations: the MK19 variant with a dry deck shelter capability and a torpedo tube launch and recovery variant.

Additionally, the Tetra remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is part of the program, offering multiple mission payload capacities as a key enabler for subsea warfare operations. The Tetra system includes ROVs equipped with payloads and ancillary equipment necessary for diverse operational scenarios. The Small & Medium UUV program aims to bolster the Navy's undersea warfare capabilities through advanced technology integration and increased production of unmanned systems.