Raytheon's Barracuda Underwater Drone Shows Off Autonomous Mine-Hunting Power

Raytheon, a division of RTX, has successfully demonstrated the autonomous capabilities of its cutting-edge Barracuda mine neutralization system, marking a major milestone in the U.S. Navy’s efforts to modernize underwater mine countermeasures. The test, held recently in open waters at Narragansett Bay, showcased Barracuda operating untethered and semi-autonomously—something never achieved before with this level of sophistication.

During the test, Barracuda proved that it could independently navigate underwater, detect and identify mines, and communicate mission-critical data back to operators—all without being physically connected to a ship or guided by a tether. This kind of autonomy is designed to dramatically reduce the risk to Navy personnel by keeping sailors at a safe distance from dangerous mines.

Barracuda is the U.S. Navy’s newest official program for mine neutralization. It is the first semi-autonomous, untethered underwater vehicle of its kind to be adopted into the Navy’s inventory. It’s capable of locating and classifying different types of naval mines—including those on the seabed, floating in the water column, or near the surface. What makes it even more effective is its ability to work largely on its own, with human operators only stepping in to make the final decision to neutralize a threat.

So how does it work?

Barracuda operates as a smart underwater drone. Once deployed, it uses its onboard sensors to scan and map the ocean environment. It can “see” mines using sonar and other advanced detection technologies, then classify the type of threat it’s found. If confirmed as a mine, the system sends back data for human approval. Once cleared, it delivers a neutralization charge to destroy or disable the mine.

Because it’s untethered, Barracuda has more freedom to move in difficult terrain, navigate through cluttered environments, and cover larger areas—all critical advantages in modern mine warfare. This agility also enables quicker response times and increases mission success rates.

Raytheon has been developing Barracuda through its Advanced Technology segment, which also works on high-tech defense systems like SPY-6 radar and LTAMDS. With Barracuda now progressing through field testing, it’s expected to reach initial operational capability and low-rate production by 2030.

Looking ahead, Raytheon is also investing in a larger and more advanced version of the Barracuda. This new variant is expected to take on even more complex missions, including tasks in subsea and seabed warfare—an emerging area of interest for the U.S. Navy and its allies.

In an age where underwater threats are growing more sophisticated and widespread, Barracuda represents a leap forward in how navies around the world can keep sea lanes safe without putting human lives at unnecessary risk.