VideoRay awarded $92 million contract for ROV technology

A robotics technology company has been awarded a five-year contract for production, sustainment and development of the MK20 Defender Remotely Operated Vehicle platform -- which the Navy will use for its Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR) -- according to a contract announcement.

The contract -- worth over $92 million -- will allow defense company VideoRay’s underwater robotics systems to support the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Underwater Response Vehicle program, as well as MESR. MESR seeks to improve sensors, among other components, of remotely operated technology used for underwater explosive detection and removal. Work on the platform is expected to be completed by May 2029, the announcement said.

"This production contract with the U.S. Navy marks an exciting new chapter for VideoRay, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of our team to achieve this significant milestone," VideoRay Chief Executive Officer Chris Gibson said in a statement. "We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Navy and to receive valuable feedback, which has been instrumental in continuously enhancing our next-generation Expeditionary EOD and MCM systems to meet the fleet's requirements.”

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the U.S. Navy, along with our partners to advance our technology and capabilities to meet the needs of our defense and commercial customers alike worldwide,” Gibson continued.