BAE Systems Secures Major Mine Neutraliser Contract with Korea Aerospace Industries

Global UK-based conglomerate, BAE Systems has won a contract to adapt a new mine disposal system using Archerfish for Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), as part of the development of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy’s new anti-mine helicopter fleet.

The company said that under the £7.4 million ($9.27 million) contract, BAE Systems will provide a complete mine countermeasure capability along with engineering expertise and support to Korea Aerospace Industries and Republic of Korea Navy.

“The Republic of Korea Navy is investing in the introduction of a new and complimentary means of carrying out mine countermeasure missions with a new development program to obtain a helicopter mine neutralisation operation fleet to be operated by ROK Navy,” said a KAI spokesperson.

“We are proud to be working with Korea Aerospace Industries to develop the Republic of Korea Navy’s future helicopter mine neutralisation capability. This builds on Archerfish’s proven credentials for mine clearance operations with the US Navy. 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,” said Director of Products and Training Services for BAE Systems Maritime Services, Dr Brooke Hoskins.

Archerfish reduces the time needed to identify and neutralise targets and eliminates the need to put divers into the water.

Under the new contract new features will be developed for the technology including a light-weight launcher and a new data connection link between the aircraft and Archerfish vehicle.

 Archerfish is manufactured in the UK at BAE Systems’ Broad Oak facility in Portsmouth, Hampshire, and Hillend facility in Dunfermline, Fife. -shp/bae/aaa (Image: BAE Systems)