The Australian Government has secured a A$200m ($125.93m) MK-48 heavy weight torpedoes deal with the US, to enhance its submarine fleet’s lethality.
The additional MK-48 torpedoes is set to enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Collins-class submarines’ defensive and offensive capabilities.
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Originating from a joint programme initiated in 2009 between the Australian and US governments, the torpedoes will also be equipped on Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines.
The collaboration focuses on the joint development of MK-48 hardware and software, supporting the acquisition and maintenance of this capability for both the RAN and the US Navy.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy: “With this announcement the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring the Navy has the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe.
“This boost to our stocks of MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes also demonstrates the Government’s commitment to deliver on priorities in the 2024 National Defence Strategy that contribute to the strategy of denial.
“The continuous joint development of the MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedo provides the Australian Navy with the latest technology to counter current and future threats. This acquisition is a testament to Australia’s strong, long-standing alliance with the United States.”
The MK-48, which is effective in both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, is engineered to engage fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines and high-performance surface ships.
Measuring 5.79 metres in length with a range of 8km, the torpedo operates autonomously with or without wire guidance, employing both active and/or passive homing techniques.
Upon deployment, the torpedoes are programmed to search for, acquire, and attack their targets, with the ability to re-attack if the initial attempt is unsuccessful.
In Australia, the MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes are procured as sections and are assembled and tested at the Torpedo Maintenance Facility located in Western Australia.
This facility is also certified to assemble, maintain, and test the weapon for use on US Navy platforms.
This procurement underscores the Albanese Government’s aim to bolster Australia’s deterrence capabilities and advancing the objectives set out in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
