Northrop Grumman has handed over the first Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) to South Korea, marking a key milestone in the country’s push to strengthen naval mine countermeasure capabilities.
The system delivery stems from a 2023 partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) under the Korean Mine Countermeasures Helicopter program, designed to equip Seoul’s new rotary-wing platforms with advanced US laser detection technology. The partnership also includes integration engineering and design collaboration to support deployment across South Korea’s naval fleet.
When deployed, the ALMDS-equipped helicopter will assist minehunting ships in both shallow coastal zones and deep-sea missions, improving the speed and safety of clearance operations.
Field-Proven Capability
The AN/AES-1 ALMDS uses high-power lasers and optical sensors to spot and classify near-surface mines. The system operates independently of ships, scanning large areas day or night and transmitting precise location data for rapid response.
The technology, already used by the US Navy and Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force, has demonstrated high reliability and detection accuracy. So far, 24 systems have been delivered to the US Navy and four to Japan.
