Advancing Mine Detection Capabilities: Northrop Grumman Delivers ALMDS to South Korea

Melbourne, Florida – October 15, 2025
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has announced the successful delivery of the first Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) sensor pod to the Republic of Korea. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing South Korea’s capabilities for advanced underwater mine detection.

Strategic Collaboration on Mine Countermeasures

In 2023, Northrop Grumman was awarded a critical contract by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) aimed at integrating state-of-the-art ALMDS technology within the Republic of Korea’s Korean Mine Countermeasures Helicopter (KMCH) initiative. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to fortifying national defense capabilities through advanced technology partnerships.

• Contract Overview:
  • Awarding Entity: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)
  • Scope: Engineering, Manufacturing, and Design (EMD) support for KMCH program
  • Technology Focus: Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS)

Operational Advantages of ALMDS

The ALMDS provides a sophisticated solution for the rapid identification and classification of naval mines situated in coastal waters. Currently utilized by both the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, ALMDS has demonstrated its reliability and effectiveness across diverse maritime environments.

Key Features of ALMDS:

• Day-and-Night Functionality:
  The system operates effectively in both daylight and nocturnal conditions, ensuring consistent performance across varying environments.

• High Area Search Capability:
  ALMDS achieves rapid area coverage, significantly enhancing operational efficiency in mine detection missions.

• Accurate Geolocation Systems:
  This technology is designed to provide precise coordinates for detected mines, facilitating targeted neutralization by multiple helicopter platforms.

Insights from Leadership

Janice Zilch, Vice President of Multi-Domain Command and Control Programs at Northrop Grumman, highlighted the importance of ALMDS in modern defense operations. “The deployment of ALMDS reflects Northrop Grumman’s commitment to delivering reliable technology for critical defense missions. Collaborating with KAI reinforces our dedication to advancing South Korea’s defense capabilities while ensuring the security of our allies in the region.”

Technical Specifications and Manufacturing

The AN/AES-1 ALMDS is produced in the United States and is specifically engineered to detect, classify, and localize both floating and near-surface moored mines. To date, Northrop Grumman has successfully delivered 24 units of ALMDS to the U.S. Navy alongside four units to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, establishing the company as a leader in sophisticated mine detection technology.

This delivery not only represents a technological transfer but also illustrates the broader strategic aim of enhancing interoperability among allied forces in regional security initiatives.

Conclusion

As Northrop Grumman continues to lead advancements in aerospace and defense technologies, the integration of ALMDS within South Korea’s defense framework highlights the significance of collaborative efforts in addressing contemporary security challenges. Such partnerships ensure that nations remain vigilant and prepared against evolving threats in a complex maritime landscape.

Photo credit: Korea Aerospace Industries