The U.S. Navy achieved an initial operational capability (IOC) last month for two new mine-warfare systems for the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, the service said Dec. 14.
The two systems – the Northrop Grumman [NOC] Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) and the Raytheon [RTN] Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) — will be tested aboard the Littoral Combat Ship in 2017 to allow sailors to work with the new capabilities in operational environments, said Marine Maj. Gen. Christopher Owens, director of expeditionary warfare for the Navy. 
The testing “will help us validate our concept of operations and tactical integration – providing system feedback that will allow us to refine software and techniques that will reduce the time needed to conduct post-mission analysis and system upkeep,” Owens wrote on the Navy Live blog.