Marshall has been contracted to produced composite torpedo launcher tubes for Sea, itself part of the Cohort group, in support of two “major international naval vessel programmes”, according to a 30 July 2024 release.

In its release, Marshall stated that production will run from 2024 to 2026, with the company contracted to manufacture and deliver composite torpedo launcher tubes and associated equipment for integration into SEA’s Torpedo Launcher System (TLS).

The launcher tubes, manufactured at Marshall’s composites facility in North Yorkshire, UK, are comprised of a filament-wound GRP (glass reinforced plastic) structure intended to be lightweight and corrosion-resistant for use in the naval domain.

SEA’s TLS are operated by a number of navies around the world, with the systems’ design allowing for launcher tubes to be housed internally or mounted above deck, Marshall detailed in its release.

“Building on a decades-long relationship with SEA, this contract will see Marshall… continue to manufacture durable, composite launch tubes to deploy Nato standard torpedoes,” said Colin Jones, head of sales - advanced composites at Marshall.

Canada seeking SEA TLS for warship programme

In January 2024 Canada awarded a £15.1m ($19.2m) contract to SEA for the production of a lightweight TLS for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for a naval programme expected to be completed by 2030.

The TLS is capable of firing the US Mk 44, Mk 46 and Mk 54 torpedoes, UK Sting Ray, Italian A244S, French MU 90 and the Korean Blue Shark.

Although not confirmed, the TLS could be for the new River-class Canadian Surface Combatants which will operate US-origin Mk 54 torpedoes. The River-class warships are heavily derived from the UK’s Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigate design, which are also in advanced stage of manufacture.