Defence orders additional Mk48 torpedoes

The Australian Department of Defence will acquire additional Mk48 Heavyweight torpedoes under a $200 million agreement with the United States. Designed for both Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), the additional stocks of MK48 ADCAP (Additional Capability) MOD7 CBASS (Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System) torpedoes will deliver a critical boost to the defensive and offensive capabilities of the RAN’s fleet of Collins-class submarines, says Defence in a statement. This and subsequent variants of the MK48 will also be used on Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines.

“The continuous joint development of the MK48 torpedo provides the Australian Navy with the latest technology to counter current and future threats,” said Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery. “This acquisition is a testament to Australia’s strong, long-standing alliance with the United States.”

This latest version of the MK48 is the product of a joint program between the Australian and US Government. This involves the joint development of MK48 hardware and software and supports the acquisition and sustainment of the capability for both the Royal Australian Navy and United States Navy, underscoring the depth of our longstanding alliance.

Australian MK48 torpedoes are procured as sections that are assembled and tested at the RAN Torpedo Maintenance Facility in Western Australia, which is also certified to assemble, maintain and test the weapon for use in United States Navy platforms.