Underwater EOD Equipment

The Underwater EOD Equipment program is a critical component of the Navy's Other Procurement, Navy (OPN) budget, specifically supporting shipboard and maritime expeditionary forces with specialized outfitting and diving-related equipment. The primary goal of this line item is to provide Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units, Mobile Diving and Salvage Units (MDSUs), and Naval Construction Forces (NCFs) with the tools required to conduct full-spectrum detect-to-engage missions, including Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures (ExMCM) and other underwater operations. This equipment must possess low acoustic and magnetic signatures to operate safely near influence-fired ordnance, ensuring both mission effectiveness and diver safety.

Underwater EOD programs within this line item focus on the procurement and fielding of advanced sensors, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), diver life support systems, and payload kits. Key objectives include enhancing the ability of EOD forces to detect, locate, neutralize, and render safe unexploded ordnance, including improvised explosive devices, as well as supporting salvage and underwater construction missions. The program supports the only comprehensive ExMCM capability in the US Navy, and its requirements are established through OPNAV-approved documents and Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) processes.

A significant portion of the funding is allocated to advanced diver integration sensors, which are specialized handheld sonar devices designed for EOD divers operating in environments with influence-fired ordnance. These sensors improve detection and neutralization capabilities and are being procured in increasing quantities to meet validated fleet inventory objectives. The program also includes procurement of payload kits sensor, kinetic, and C3 modules that integrate onto platforms to enhance detection, localization, identification, and neutralization capabilities during EOD response missions.

The program also includes a product improvement initiative aimed at upgrading the Navy's inventory of underwater breathing apparatuses to a newer standard. This initiative is intended to accelerate delivery and meet fleet capability shortfalls at lower costs. In FY 2026, the program plans to convert existing units and procure additional upgraded breathing apparatuses, along with spare conversion kits, to reach inventory objectives. This ensures EOD divers have reliable and advanced life support systems for extended underwater operations.

Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures (ExMCM) is a distinct sub-program focused on outfitting ExMCM companies with unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), retrofit kits, auxiliary support equipment, and EOD response ROVs. These systems enable ExMCM forces to be deployed globally from various shipboard platforms and small craft, supporting mine countermeasure missions in diverse operational environments. The program also funds production engineering, testing, and training to maintain readiness and integrate new technologies into the fleet.

Additional objectives within the Underwater EOD Equipment line include procurement of multi-mission underwater breathing apparatus equipment to replace aging systems, production engineering and test services for new and improved systems, and investment in marine mammal systems for specialized detection and recovery missions. The program also provides initial training and product improvement services to ensure personnel are proficient with new equipment and that systems are continuously enhanced based on operational feedback.