The US Navy has taken another step toward autonomous mine warfare after Northrop Grumman validated the deployment of its AN/AQS-24 mine-hunting sonar from an unmanned surface vessel. Testing in Florida demonstrated that the towed system can function reliably from a drone platform, delivering operationally relevant results within weeks of contract award. Navy officials confirmed the system achieved all key objectives, highlighting enhanced safety and efficiency compared to crewed operations. The AN/AQS-24 uses advanced synthetic aperture sonar and laser imaging to locate and identify underwater explosive threats at high speed, supporting operations up to 18 knots and depths beyond 400 feet. Already fielded on helicopters and surface combatants, its integration with autonomous vessels aligns with broader defense strategies to minimize personnel risk. By enabling standoff mine detection across varying depths, the system strengthens maritime freedom of maneuver while accelerating the Navy’s transition to uncrewed mine countermeasure solutions.
