U.S. Navy selects Thales subsidiary for $53.9 million remote mine-hunting systems contract

The US Navy has awarded Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Thales' US subsidiary, a $53.9 million contract to produce two remote mine-hunting modules and provide engineering support. The systems allow naval personnel to detect, locate and classify underwater mines while remaining at a distance from the hazardous area. Additional procurement options could increase the agreement's cumulative value to approximately $196.2 million if exercised. The award covers mine-hunting equipment and associated engineering rather than complete new ships, supporting the navy's use of remotely operated systems to perform mine-countermeasures tasks without placing crews directly inside minefields.