BAE Systems has been awarded a $20 million contract to develop an advanced prototype system that detects mines and obstacles in near-shore waters for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. As part of the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) program, the laser-based airborne system will provide 24-hour capability to ensure our troops’ safe transition from ship to shore.

“This program will help save lives, and to us there is no better reward than providing technology to help protect those who put themselves in harm’s way while serving our nation,” said Reid Noguchi, general manager of BAE Systems Spectral Solutions. “Having conducted extensive research and development in advanced sensors, airborne prototype systems, and sophisticated real time software, BAE Systems has worked closely with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to mature the technologies and capabilities to meet the Navy’s mine countermeasures needs on an accelerated timeline.”