A need for systems architecture approach for next generation mine warfare capability

Abstract

When operating in a sea borne environment, sea mines can prevent U.S. Navy vessels from meeting operational objectives. Sea mines have the potential of damaging, or destroying ships at sea. The U.S. Navy conducts mine warfare (MIW) operations to meet this threat. Although effective against mining, our countermining operations are currently employing 1960â s technology in an attempt to keep pace with new Concepts of Operations (CONOPS). Todayâ s legacy MIW processes currently employed by the warfighter, although capable of countering the mining threat, are a reactive process that is slow to engage and employ assets that are cumbersome to operate. With the advent of new technologies, a transformation of MIW capability is on the horizon and has the potential of influencing how the U.S. Navy maintains maritime dominance in the openoceans and littoral environments. The influence that technologies bring to MIW includes multi-spectral sensors, laser imagery, compact modular systems, unmanned and semi-autonomous weapons, as well as new communications architecture and tactics. Although these technical innovations present a level of capability superior to the existing legacy systems, developmental barriers and the lack of an overarching systems architecture will hinder or prevent these systems from being effectively integrated into tomorrowâ s CONOPS.