US completes MK 18 UUV programme of record
An MK 18 UUV is deployed from a helicopter during a test flight. (Photo: US DoD)
Since the initial production lot, over 90 MK 18 Mod 2 UUVs have been provided to the USN.
Production of the Mk18 Mod 2 UUV programme of record has been completed, the USN announced on 3 February.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the uncrewed vessel project.
The system began production in 2012 with a contract to Hydroid, now owned by major naval contractor HII.
USN Expeditionary Missions programme office programme manager Capt Jon Haase said: ‘The department’s long-standing partnership with HII and their subcontractors demonstrates how mature technologies coupled with innovative acquisition approaches can speed the delivery of critical mission-enabling capabilities to our warfighting forces.’
The MK 18 Mod 2 UUVs are a critical component in the USN’s Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures (ExMCM) mission suite of capabilities.
ExMCM forces provide a rapid mine countermeasure response capability.
In July 2022, the USN awarded the Medium Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (MUUV) contract to Leidos to design, test, and manufacture a next-generation ExMCM MUUV, known as Viperfish.
Viperfish will expand on the current MK 18 Mod 2 UUVs, offering increased ExMCM capabilities.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates]()
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
![Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost]()
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
![Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory]()
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
