In December 2003, the Australian Minister for Defence announced a further 150 million Euro ($AUS250 million) purchase of new lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes, the EUROTORP MU90/IMPACT, for the FFG and ANZAC frigates, Seahawk and Sea Sprite helicopters and the AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft: Project Djimindi phase 3.
In his statement Minister Hill stated:
“The MU 90/Impact torpedo is a very capable anti-submarine weapon system which is highly effective in both deep and shallow waters.”
“These torpedoes will significantly improve the capacity of the ADF to destroy enemy submarines once detected.”
“The torpedoes will be assembled in Australia, with up to 35 per cent of the torpedo components manufactured here (Australia). The torpedoes will be produced by the Djimindi Alliance that consists of Thales Underwater Systems, EuroTorp and the Commonwealth of Australia.
In April 2000, the Commonwealth of Australia agreed with GEIE EUROTORP and the Australian subsidiary of Thales Underwater System to form the Project Djimindi Alliance (PDA) and approved the Phase 1 (a project definition study). A year later in 2001, the Commonwealth of Australia approved the Phase 2, valued around 150 M Euro, for the delivery of a number of European manufactured MU90 lightweight torpedoes, launching systems and relevant integration for the Australian ASW Platforms.
These contracts aim to replace the obsolete MK46 mod.5 anti-submarine torpedo inventory of the Australian Defence Forces.
The MU90/IMPACT, the premier product of the GEIE EUROTORP, the French/Italian Consortium between DCN International, Thales and WASS (a FINMECCANICA Company) is the most advanced Light Weight Torpedo available on the market and presently in mass production for the French, Italian, German, Danish, Polish and Australian Navies. The MU90/IMPACT is confirmed as the torpedo of choice for the most advanced Navies.