RTX's Raytheon demonstrates autonomous capabilities of its Barracuda mine neutralizer

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX (NYSE: RTX) has achieved a significant milestone as its Raytheon business successfully demonstrated the Barracuda mine neutralization vehicle in an untethered, semi-autonomous operation. The testing, conducted in Narragansett Bay, showcased Barracuda's autonomous capabilities in navigation, communication, target detection, and identification.

As the U.S. Navy's newest program of record for mine neutralization, Barracuda is the first untethered system capable of tracking and identifying various types of mines while maintaining human oversight for neutralization decisions. The program is progressing towards initial operational capability and low-rate initial production by 2030. Raytheon is also developing an advanced variant for expanded mission capabilities including subsea and seabed warfare.

Positive

• First successful demonstration of untethered, semi-autonomous operation
• Status as U.S. Navy's official program of record for mine neutralization
• Development of larger, more advanced variant for expanded mission capabilities
• Technology enhances safety by keeping sailors out of harm's way

Negative

• Extended timeline to initial operational capability (2030)
• System still requires human oversight for final neutralization decisions

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

RTX's Barracuda mine neutralizer advances naval defense with autonomous capabilities, securing long-term Navy program revenue potential.

The successful untethered, semi-autonomous demonstration of Raytheon's Barracuda represents a significant technological milestone in naval defense systems. During testing in Narragansett Bay, the system proved its capability to autonomously navigate, communicate, detect targets, and operate independently underwater without human tethering—capabilities crucial for modern naval operations.

This advancement carries strategic importance as Barracuda is officially designated as a U.S. Navy program of record for mine neutralization, which guarantees long-term procurement commitment. The system uniquely enables the tracking and identification of bottom, volume, and near-surface mines while keeping human operators safely removed from danger zones, only requiring human input for final neutralization decisions.

The development trajectory is particularly noteworthy. The technology originated in Raytheon's Advanced Technology business segment—the same innovation pipeline that produced other successful franchise programs like LTAMDS and SPY-6 radar systems. This demonstrates RTX's effective R&D-to-production conversion capability.

With initial operational capability and low-rate production targeted for 2030, the program represents secured medium-term revenue potential rather than immediate financial impact. RTX's investment in developing larger variants for expanded mission sets including subsea and seabed warfare indicates confidence in the platform's growth potential beyond the initial contract scope.

This successful demonstration aligns with broader military modernization trends emphasizing autonomous systems to reduce risk to personnel while enhancing operational capabilities against increasingly sophisticated naval threats.

Testing proves maturity as program moves closer to initial operational capability

PORTSMOUTH, R.I., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has successfully demonstrated its Barracuda mine neutralization vehicle in an untethered, semi-autonomous operation for the first time during recent open water testing in Narragansett Bay.

During the demonstration, Raytheon's Barracuda proved its ability to autonomously navigate, communicate, detect and identify targets, and operate independently underwater.

"This recent testing demonstrates the significant strides we've made in advancing mine countermeasure technology," said Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon. "Barracuda's capabilities will dramatically improve safety and efficiency for the U.S. Navy, keeping sailors out of harm's way while effectively addressing underwater threats."

Barracuda is the newest U.S. Navy program of record for mine neutralization. It is the first untethered, semi-autonomous mine neutralization system capable of tracking and identifying bottom, volume and near-surface mines with man-in-the-loop delivering a final decision for neutralization. The program started in research and development within Raytheon's Advanced Technology business segment – a group of innovators that matures technologies that are incorporated into Raytheon products including franchise programs such as LTAMDS and SPY-6.

In line with the Navy's acquisition plan, Raytheon's Barracuda is on track to achieve initial operational capability and low-rate initial production by 2030. In addition to executing mine neutralization missions, the company is investing in developing a larger and more advanced variant to meet different mission sets such as subsea and seabed warfare.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

 

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is RTX's Barracuda mine neutralization system and how does it work?

Barracuda is an untethered, semi-autonomous mine neutralization system that can autonomously navigate, communicate, detect and identify underwater mines while keeping human operators in control of final neutralization decisions.

When will RTX's Barracuda system be operational for the U.S. Navy?

The Barracuda system is scheduled to achieve initial operational capability and enter low-rate initial production by 2030.

What makes RTX's Barracuda system unique in mine neutralization?

Barracuda is the first untethered, semi-autonomous system capable of tracking and identifying bottom, volume, and near-surface mines while maintaining man-in-the-loop control for final neutralization decisions.

What are the future development plans for RTX's Barracuda system?

RTX is developing a larger and more advanced variant of Barracuda to address different mission sets including subsea and seabed warfare.

How does RTX's Barracuda system improve naval operations?

Barracuda enhances safety and efficiency by keeping sailors out of harm's way while effectively addressing underwater threats through autonomous operation.