Exelis to support US Navy’s minesweeping defence systems

The US Navy has selected Exelis to provide depot level repair, maintenance and modifications for two deployed mine defence systems.

Under the $13m indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract, awarded by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Exelis will provide depot level repair, maintenance and modifications for MK-105, the minesweeping system and the airborne mine neutralisation system for the US Navy.

Exelis radar, reconnaissance and undersea systems business vice-president and general manager Dave Prater said: "The MK-105 minesweeping system is an essential technology for the US Navy's mine countermeasure operations."

The MK-105, integrated aboard the US Navy's -53E Sea Dragon helicopter, tows through the water as it detonates mines, enabling safe passage for military and commercial vessels.

Prater added: "As the original manufacturer, we have the knowledge and expertise to perform technology insertion, maintenance and depot repairs to ensure continued effectiveness of this critical capability."

The MK-105 airborne mine countermeasures magnetic minesweeping system was also selected by Japan's Navy to maintain control of sea lanes in the nation's territorial waters.

The MK-105 Mod 4 version, the upgraded version of the MK-105 technology, provides a significant reliability and performance improvement to the current system, while enhancing the ability of the US Navy to conduct quick-response, high-speed airborne mine countermeasures for the next decade.

The contract has options that would bring the total value of the task order to more than $53m if exercised.

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Image: An MH-53E helicopter conducts MK-105 mine countermeasure operations. Photo: courtesy of US Navy / Lt. Cmdr. Dennis C. Monagle.