Thales secures US Navy contract

Thales announced on November 2, 2026, that its American subsidiary, Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC), was awarded a contract worth 53.9 million dollars by the US Navy.

Contract details and potential expansion

The contract involves AAC providing two integrated remote mine countermeasure modules, designated RMH, as well as the associated technical support. The contract includes options for additional modules, which could bring the total value to 196.2 million dollars.

RMH system description

The RMH solution combines an advanced sonar, mission management software, and teleoperated vehicle technologies within a modular architecture. According to Thales, this organization should allow the system to evolve according to the requirements of the US Navy.

Mine countermeasure mission

The program is part of the US Navy's mine countermeasure mission, described by Thales as "Detect, Locate, and Neutralize." The described capability is intended to allow sailors to detect, locate, and classify underwater mines while operating from safer positions.

Technical features of the system

The RMH solution includes a synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) towed and multiview, which Thales attributes the capabilities of detecting and imaging mines at high resolution, as well as reducing the false target rate. Information processing also relies on automatic target recognition algorithms, designated by the acronym ATR, enhanced by artificial intelligence.

Operational benefits

These software tools are intended to help operators process, classify, map, and manage data collected during mine countermeasure operations. The challenge is to shorten the time between the detection of an object and its location, while improving confidence in its classification.

AAC's role and integration

Mike Carnovale, president of Advanced Acoustic Concepts, highlights the combination of Thales' mine countermeasure technologies and AAC's experience in integrating underwater warfare solutions for the US Navy. According to him, the integration of sonar, classification software, and eventually remote neutralization capabilities should simplify operations and accelerate the transition from detection to action for surface ships with or without crews.

Distinction between capabilities

However, the program is presented within the framework of a chain ranging from detection to neutralization, but the statement distinguishes between detection and classification means and the "future remote neutralization capabilities" mentioned by Carnovale. Therefore, it does not allow establishing that all these neutralization functions are included in the initial delivery of the two modules.

AAC's execution and expertise

The execution of the contract relies on AAC, an American supplier specializing in underwater warfare solutions. The group emphasizes an organization combining its international technology portfolio with the American expertise of its subsidiary to meet the needs of the US Navy.

Thales' strategic emphasis

Rob Geckle, president and chief executive officer of Thales in the United States and North America, stated that "the ability to counter threats posed by underwater mines remains fundamental for maritime security and the success of naval missions." He estimates that this program will contribute to strengthening the preparedness of the American fleet in an increasingly dynamic operational environment.