Korean Aerospace Industries chose BAE Systems to integrate the Archerfish mine disposal system into the Republic of Korea Navy’s new anti-mine helicopter fleet.
Under the $10.4 million contract, BAE Systems will deliver a mine countermeasure capability, including engineering expertise and support, to Korea Aerospace Industries and the Republic of Korea Navy.
Already in service with the US Navy, the remote-controlled underwater mine neutralizer is set to be deployed from surface ships, underwater vehicles, and helicopters.
“Archerfish reduces the time needed to identify and neutralize targets and eliminates the need to put divers into the water,” stated BAE Systems.
As part of the recently awarded contract, BAE Systems will embark on the development of additional functionalities for the technology, such as a lightweight launcher and an enhanced data connection link connecting the aircraft and Archerfish vehicle.
“We are proud to be working with Korea Aerospace Industries to develop the Republic of Korea Navy’s future helicopter mine neutralization capability. This builds on Archerfish’s proven credentials for mine clearance operations with the US Navy,” said Dr Brooke Hoskins, Director of Products and Training Services for BAE Systems Maritime Services.
“Archerfish helps to keep sailors safe, increases the efficiency of mine clearance missions, and is small and lightweight making it ideal for integration into airborne and surface platforms,” he continued.
Archerfish is manufactured in the UK at BAE Systems’ Broad Oak facility in Portsmouth, Hampshire, and Hillend facility in Dunfermline, Fife.
