VideoRay Awarded Contract to Support the US Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response Program

18 March 2025

(Image credit: VideoRay)

VideoRay, a BlueHalo company and global leader in underwater robotic systems, announced it has been awarded a $30,735,784 contract to provide systems engineering and support services for the company's Mission Specialist Defender systems, the Maritime Expeditionary Standoff Response (MESR) remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The five-year contract was issued by the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific and supports the US Navy’s ongoing operations utilizing the Mission Specialist Defender systems.

The award follows the US Navy’s $92.6 million MESR contract awarded to VideoRay in May 2025 and further reinforces the company’s role in supporting the US Navy with advanced underwater robotic technology for expeditionary missions, mine countermeasures, and underwater security. VideoRay was acquired by BlueHalo last year.

“This follow-on contract highlights the US Navy’s commitment to adapting and customizing our commercial off-the-shelf defense solutions to meet the evolving needs of its expeditionary forces,” said Jonathan Moneymaker, CEO of BlueHalo. “We are honored to continue our support in delivering cutting-edge, mission-critical ROVs that enhance maritime security, reconnaissance, and response capabilities for the fleet.”

The company’s Mission Specialist Defender and other unmanned underwater robots set the performance standard for the most challenging, mission-critical applications in mine countermeasures and other man-portable unmanned undersea applications. The Mission Specialist Defender provides unparalleled maneuverability, payload integration, and operational flexibility, ensuring mission success in high-risk maritime environments.