The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman for the supply of AQS-24A airborne mine-hunting system.

Under the initial contract, the company will deliver the system for incorporation into the new Airborne Mine Countermeasures MCH-101 helicopter built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

The AQS-24A is a helicopter towed airborne Sonar mine countermeasure detection system equipped with a side scan sonar to detect and classify underwater mines.

The SM 2000 laser line scanner helps in precise optical identification of oceanic mines with advanced navigation controls for high accuracy target positioning.

The AN/AQS-20 mine hunting sonar systems are widely deployed by the US Navy to detect deeper mine threats.