Northrop Grumman delivers first Airborne Laser Mine Detection System pod to the Republic of Korea

Melbourne, Fla. – Oct. 15, 2025 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has delivered the first Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) sensor pod to the Republic of Korea, furthering the country’s advanced mine detection solutions.

• Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in 2023 to supply cutting-edge 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.
• ALMDS is a proven and effective capability that provides rapid detection and classification of mines in coastal waters and is operated today by the U.S. 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 neutralization of detected mines from a variety of helicopter platforms.

Expert:

Janice Zilch, vice president, multi-domain command and control programs, Northrop Grumman: “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.”

 Details: 

Northrop Grumman’s AN/AES-1 ALMDS is manufactured in the United States and detects, classifies and locates floating and near-surface moored mines. Northrop Grumman has delivered 24 ALMDS units to the U.S. Navy and four units to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, demonstrating Northrop Grumman’s leadership in discriminating technology as a cutting-edge solution for a complex challenge. 

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.

Photo courtesy Korea Aerospace Industries