Northrop Grumman has delivered the first Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) sensor pod to the Republic of Korea.
“ALMDS exemplifies Northrop Grumman’s ability to deliver trusted technology for critical missions, consistently performing where it matters most. Our collaboration with KAI shows our commitment to advancing defense capabilities together with Korean industry and delivering vital capabilities, ensuring the safety and security of our allies," vice president, multi-domain command and control programs, Northrop Grumman, Janice Zilch, said.
Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in 2023 to supply ALMDS technology and comprehensive technical support for the engineering, manufacturing and design phase of the Republic of Korea’s Korean Mine Countermeasures Helicopter (KMCH) program.
“Our strategic partnership with KAI to bring ALMDS technology to the KMCH program builds on our decades of commitment to deliver advanced solutions that support the Republic of Korea's Ministry of National Defense,” Zilch said at the time of the 2023 contract announcement.
ALMDS is a capability that will provide rapid detection and classification of mines in coastal waters and is currently operated today by the US Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
ALMDS is capable of untethered day or night operations, allowing it to attain high area search rates, and provide users accurate target geolocation to support the neutralisation of detected mines from a variety of helicopter platforms.