Australia Spending A$200m On Beefing Up Torpedo Stocks

Australia is spending A$200 million — about £155 million — on increasing its stock of Mk-48 torpedoes for use in both its existing Collins-class and future nuclear-powered submarines.

Designed to sink nuclear-powered submarines and high-performance surface ships, the Mk-48 originally came into service in the 1970s; an Advanced Capability (ADCAP) variant arrived in the late 1980s.

Launched from submarine torpedo tubes, the weapons are carried by all U.S. Navy submarines, as well as Australian, Canadian and Dutch submarines. They are intended to detonate under surface ships, with the aim of breaking their keels and compromising the structural integrity of the hull.

As per a recent Defence Australia press release, the extra torpedo stocks “will deliver a critical boost to the defensive and offensive capabilities of Australia’s Collins class submarines.”

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy commented: “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.”

The Australian MK-48 torpedoes are assembled and tested in Western Australia.

• You can read more details on the Australian Government website