The US Navy has validated Northrop Grumman’s AN/AQS-24 sonar in an uncrewed configuration, proving it can be effectively deployed from a drone vessel for mine countermeasures. The rapid transition from contract award to sea trials highlights the navy’s push for accelerated unmanned adoption. Already used on helicopters and surface ships, the system’s migration to autonomous platforms reduces operational risk while maintaining detection performance in shallow and deep waters, aligning with Pentagon priorities to protect personnel through robotics and autonomy.
