BAE Systems will deliver Archerfish remote-controlled underwater mine neutraliser to US Navy. The Archerfish can be launched and operated from a surface ship, helicopter or an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV). This is the fourth consecutive Archerfish contract awarded to BAE Systems since 2003.

Archerfish is used by the US Navy’s MH-60S Helicopter squadrons (AN/ASQ-235) as part of the Airborne Mine Neutralisation capability, deployed from the Littoral Combat Ship.  It is deployed from a launch ‘cradle’ with a fibre optic data link providing the exacting command of the weapon. Through the use of high-frequency sonar and low light video data, Archerfish will identify mine threats and then emit a shaped charge warhead, initiating a full order detonation of the target.

Under the new contract Archerfish will continue to support the US Navy in live mine clearance operations and also provide the capability to conduct training exercises between now and 2027.