The US Navy is planning to boost its inventory of Hammerhead underwater mine systems through an existing agreement with General Dynamics Mission Systems.
GDMS previously received a $92.9-million contract in 2022 for the development, testing, and delivery of Hammerhead systems, followed by a $20.7-million contract update in 2024 to extend procurement. A pre-solicitation notice issued by the Naval Sea Systems Command suggests additional units will be acquired to meet fiscal year 2027 operational needs, though specific quantities were not revealed. The Navy also confirmed GDMS as the sole provider capable of meeting delivery timelines.
The Hammerhead serves as an anti-submarine weapon system, functioning as a moored mine that can autonomously detect and classify underwater threats before deploying a Mk 54 torpedo. It is designed for deployment in key maritime chokepoints, including harbors and narrow sea passages.
Given its autonomous capabilities, the Navy is evaluating uncrewed underwater vehicles for deployment, including the Orca developed by Boeing, with initial units delivered in late 2023.
The Hammerhead is part of a broader portfolio of naval mine systems, alongside the Mk 68 Clandestine Delivered Mine and the Quickstrike Extended Range, which leverages a 2,000-pound bomb for extended deployment capabilities.
