US Navy Contracts General Dynamics for MK 54 Torpedo Electronics
The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics a contract worth up to $808.6 million to produce MK 54 MOD 1 Lightweight Torpedo kits and related test equipment.
The deal also includes spares, engineering, and hardware support.
Work will be conducted in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2032.
“This contract ensures that our surface ships and aircraft will have the most modern and capable torpedoes in the world for many years to come,” said Laura Hooks, VP of Maritime and Strategic Systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems.
Features
The MK 54 lightweight torpedo is an anti-submarine weapon deployed from surface ships and aircraft.
Measuring 106.9 inches (271 centimeters) long and weighing 607 pounds (275 kilograms), it features a 100-pound (45-kilogram) high-explosive warhead.
The latest variant, the MK 54 MOD 1, enhances performance with upgraded sonar array hardware and advanced electronics.
Software updates are implemented through the Torpedo Advanced Processor Build system.
Latest Contracts
While upgrading its national lightweight torpedo arsenal, the US is also increasing exports.
Earlier this month, the US government approved a $78.5-million deal to sell MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes to Saudi Arabia.
The agreement includes 20 ready-to-launch torpedoes, along with spare parts, MK 54 recoverable exercise torpedoes, and handling shapes.
In October last year, Washington authorized the sale of 53 MK 54 lightweight torpedoes to India in a $175 million deal.