- The United States Navy awarded Textron Systems a $32 million contract modification to continue software development and sustainment for the Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle
- The unmanned vessel supports fleet mine countermeasure operations by allowing naval forces to detect and clear mines while keeping sailors at safer stand off distances
The United States Navy has awarded Textron Systems a $32 million contract modification to continue software development and sustainment support for the Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV), according to an official contract announcement.
The award exercises an option under a previously issued contract and supports ongoing development of unmanned mine countermeasure capabilities designed to reduce risk to sailors operating in mine-threat environments. The program forms part of broader efforts to expand unmanned maritime systems within future fleet operations.
Work under the contract will be performed primarily in Hunt Valley, Maryland (60%), with additional work in Panama City, Florida (30%), and Arlington, Virginia (10%). The project is scheduled for completion by February 2027.
According to the contract notice, fiscal year 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation funds totaling $1,427,108—approximately four percent of the total value—are obligated at the time of award and will remain available beyond the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command is serving as the contracting activity overseeing execution.
Textron Systems is the original developer of the Common Unmanned Surface Vehicle (CUSV), which serves as the foundation for the U.S. Navy’s Mine Countermeasure Unmanned Surface Vehicle supporting the Unmanned Influence Sweep System (UISS) program. The platform represents the Navy’s first unmanned surface vessel specifically designed for operational deployment within fleet units.
The MCM USV program is described by the Navy as an early step toward building the hybrid fleet envisioned under the Chief of Naval Operations’ Force Design 2045 strategy, which integrates manned and unmanned systems across maritime operations.
The MCM USV is designed to detect, classify, and help neutralize naval mines without exposing crewed vessels to direct danger. Naval mines remain one of the most persistent maritime threats, capable of restricting access to ports, chokepoints, and littoral operating areas.
The unmanned vessel employs multiple Payload Delivery Systems (PDS), including minesweeping and minehunting configurations. Additional payload systems are planned for future integration, including mine neutralization capabilities. These modular payloads connect to a common base craft architecture, allowing the same platform to perform multiple mission roles.
Core systems aboard the MCM USV include propulsion, onboard power generation, radar sensors, optical cameras, navigation systems, and communications links enabling coordination with a host ship. The vessel is designed to operate remotely while maintaining data exchange with fleet command elements.
A defining feature of the platform is its ability to be launched and recovered by Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), as well as from vessels of opportunity or shore-based locations. This flexibility allows commanders to deploy mine countermeasure capabilities without relying on specialized dedicated ships.
By shifting mine detection and sweeping missions to unmanned platforms, the Navy aims to keep crewed ships at safer distances from potential explosive threats. Program documentation describes the concept as effectively removing sailors from direct exposure to minefields while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Mine warfare has remained a central concern for naval planners due to the relatively low cost and high disruptive potential of sea mines. Unmanned surface vehicles enable continuous operations in contested areas where traditional minesweeping operations would place personnel at elevated risk.