U.S. Navy to Increase Hammerhead Anti-Submarine Mine Order

The U.S. Navy is looking to increase its order of next-generation anti-submarine mines to “meet operational requirements,” according to a recent contract modification. The sea service is requesting General Dynamics Mission Systems, which was awarded the initial contract, to deliver more Hammerhead mine systems. Hammerhead carries a torpedo and moors itself to the sea floor at intermediate and deep-water depths. Once the mine detects an underwater threat, the encapsulated torpedo will be fired at the target. This modification, which seeks an unspecified increase of mines, was in response to meet operational requirements that needed to be met by late 2026,