The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has awarded a contract to Teledyne Brown Engineering (TBE) to continue the production and delivery of MK11 Shallow Water Combat Submersible (SWCS) systems.
The follow-on production contract could reach a total value of $178m if all options are exercised.
The MK11 SWCS system serves as a manned combat submersible vehicle that will replace the existing Mark 8 SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV).
Designated as Mark 11 SDV, the SWCS is used to insert and extract special operations forces (SOF) in high-threat areas.
TBE is the prime contractor for the US Special Operations Command’s SWCS programme.
The initial contract saw TBE manufacture, test and deliver the engineering development model (EDM) of the system.
Following the successful EDM phase, USSOCOM awarded contract options to TBE to supply more MK11 SWCS production systems.
TBE is a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies, a US-based company that supplies instrumentation, aerospace and defence electronics, and engineered systems.
Teledyne Technologies president and CEO Al Pichelli said: “Teledyne is proud to be supplying advanced technologies and systems enabling our special operations forces to perform their missions successfully.
“The Shallow Water Combat Submersible is a complex system that will assist in the safe delivery and return of those who are protecting our nation.”
The NAVSEA contract also includes spare parts and engineering and technical support services.
The contract will run to 2024 if NAVSEA chooses to exercise all available options.
Last year, the US State Department approved the UK Government’s request to purchase three SDV MK 11 SWCS.
