Surface Mine Countermeasures

The Surface Mine Countermeasures (SMCM) Program Element (PE 0604127N) is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing technologies and systems for minehunting and mine neutralization. The program's primary goal is to provide mobile, quick-reaction forces capable of detecting, classifying, localizing, identifying, and neutralizing mine threats in diverse maritime environments. The SMCM program supports both land and sea-based operations, enabling continuous safe passage for Navy warships, support vessels, other military assets, and commercial shipping. It is designed to counter both known and emerging mine threats, including asymmetric and technologically advanced mines, by leveraging platform-independent solutions.

Within the SMCM program, the Mine Hunt Systems project is dedicated to developing and integrating systems and sensors for unmanned surface vehicles (MCM USV). The project's objectives include increasing operational efficiency by reducing the time required for mine countermeasures (MCM) missions, minimizing risk to personnel and vessels, and enabling unmanned operations within minefields. Efforts in FY 2025 and FY 2026 focus on the AN/AQS-20C minehunting system, which incorporates advanced sonar technologies such as Wideband Forward Looking Sonar, Synthetic Aperture Sonar, and Digital Gap Fill Sonar, along with Electro-Optic Identification sensors. These systems are deployed from Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and other vessels, providing high area search rates, improved detection, and reduced false alarms.

The Mine Hunt Systems project also emphasizes ongoing product development, engineering support, and management services for the AN/AQS-20C system. Planned activities include the continued development of Automated Target Recognition (ATR) algorithms, acoustic identification capabilities, and post-mission analysis improvements. The project addresses system obsolescence through engineering change proposals and supports integration of upgraded hardware and software onto MCM USVs. Management services ensure effective program planning, oversight, and support for travel and coordination. The acquisition strategy leverages competitive and sole-source contracts, with industry partners providing production, integration, and risk reduction efforts.

The Mine Warfare Planning and Analysis project is another significant component of the SMCM program, comprising the Mine Warfare and Environmental Decision Aids Library (MEDAL) and the Mine Warfare Integrated Synthetic Trainer (MIST). MEDAL serves as the Navy's primary tactical decision support system for mine warfare mission planning, evaluation, and situational awareness. It consists of three main components: MINEnet Global (a shore-based website for waterspace awareness and reference materials), MINEnet Tactical (a software application for tactical planning and post-mission evaluation), and Minefield Planning (MFP), which enables commanders to plan and assess minefields using oceanographic and mine performance data.

For FY 2025 and FY 2026, MEDAL development focuses on modernizing software builds, integrating new capabilities based on user feedback, and delivering prototypes for fleet evaluation. The Minefield Planning component is being expanded to support new mining systems, which require annual software builds and dedicated engineering teams. Test and evaluation activities are planned to verify that new software meets operational requirements and supports advanced mining systems. Engineering support includes systems integration, requirements analysis, and updates to training materials.

The MIW Integrated Synthetic Trainer (MIST) provides synthetic training environments for mine warfare staff and Warfare Tactics Instructors, enabling end-to-end MCM scenario training against near-peer threats. Planned upgrades for MIST include multi-user capability, distributed simulation clocks, and curriculum updates. Developmental testing and fielding of new versions are scheduled to ensure that training tools remain current with evolving operational needs. Both MEDAL and MIST are government-led programs executed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, with software development, sustainment, and in-service engineering support provided in-house and through select industry partners.