The Australian Government has entered into a AU$200 million (US$125 million) agreement with the United States to acquire additional quantities of state-of-the-art torpedoes.
Designed for both anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, the additional stocks of Mk 48 heavyweight torpedoes will be deployed aboard the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Collins-class submarines as well as its future SSN AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.
The Mk 48 torpedo is the product of a joint program between the Australian Government and the United States Government. This involves the joint development of Mk 48 hardware and software and supports the acquisition and sustainment of the capability for both the RAN and the US Navy.
Australian Mk 48 torpedoes will be procured as sections that will be assembled and tested at the Torpedo Maintenance Facility in Western Australia, which is also certified to assemble, maintain and test the weapon for use on US Navy platforms.
"The continuous joint development of the Mk 48 heavyweight torpedo provides the Royal Australian Navy with the latest technology to counter current and future threats," said Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery.