In a first, Raytheon’s Barracuda naval mine killer has successfully demonstrated its ability to perform autonomously underwater.The untethered, semi-autonomous mine neutralization system independently navigated, communicated, detected, and identified targets, moving it closer to achieving initial operational capability and low-rate initial production by 2030. Raytheon’s President of Naval Power, Barbara Borgonovi, noted that the recent test shows the “significant strides we’ve made in advancing mine countermeasure technology.”“Barracuda’s capabilities will dramatically improve safety and efficiency for the US Navy, keeping sailors out of harm’s way while effectively addressing underwater threats.”The BarracudaIn 2018, Raytheon was awarded the $83-million contract to design, test, and deploy the Barracuda. It was intended to find and destroy bottom, near-surface, and drifting sea mines, while having the ability to operate without being physically connected by a cable and carrying out multiple tasks on its own.However, a human operator is still involved to make the final call on whether to destroy the mine, ensuring safety and accuracy.In October 2024, the system completed its first hydrodynamic test at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Carderock, Maryland. The post Raytheon Barracuda Naval Mine Killer Demos Autonomous Capabilities appeared first on The Defense Post.