The US Navy has ordered four more MCM USV unmanned boats to search for and clear mines

By: Maksim Panasovskiy | 26.10.2023, 15:56

Sea mines pose a threat to both US Navy operations and civilian ships. In this regard, the military service decided to order an additional batch of MCM USV (Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vessels) unmanned boats.

Here's What We Know

The US Navy has agreed with Bollinger Shipyards to build and deliver four more unmanned boats. The MCM USV autonomous platform can trawl, search for and clear mines.

The US Navy has previously ordered three unmanned mine countermeasure boats. The first contract was signed in 2022. The second agreement increases the number of vessels to seven units. In addition, the service may order 18 more marine drones.

Now the US Navy fights against mines with the help of MH-53E helicopters and MCM-1 minesweepers. However, due to the imminent decommissioning of these platforms, it was decided to create a fleet of MCM USV drones.

Source: Marine Link