Australia to acquire new MK-48 torpedoes under $200 million deal with US

Australia has entered a $200 million agreement with the United States (U.S.) to acquire additional quantities of MK-48 heavy weight torpedoes.

Designed for both anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, the additional stocks of these torpedoes will deliver a boost to the defensive and offensive capabilities of Australia’s Collins-class submarines, the Australian Government said, adding that the MK-48 will also be used on the country’s future nuclear-powered submarines.

The MK-48 is the product of a joint program between the governments of Australia and the U.S. Reportedly, this involves the joint development of MK-48 hardware and software and supports the acquisition and sustainment of the capability for both the Royal Australian Navy and the U.S. Navy.

Australian MK-48 torpedoes are said to be procured as sections that are assembled and tested at the Torpedo Maintenance Facility in Western Australia, which is also certified to assemble, maintain and test the weapon for use in U.S. Navy platforms.

Pat Conroy, Minister for Defense Industry and Capability Delivery, 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. This acquisition is a testament to Australia’s strong, long-standing alliance with the United States.”

It is worth mentioning that at the beginning of March, the Australian Government launched the AUKUS submarine industry strategy, which outlines the prioritization framework that is expected to give businesses the confidence to invest in their own technical capabilities, personnel and facilities.

As disclosed, the strategy sets out five lines of effort to boost Australian industry uplift: creating demand clarity for the industry, boosting investment attractiveness in critical areas, simplifying regulation, growing the skilled workforce and integrating Australian industry into U.S. and UK supply chains. As per the government, it will evolve as the industry develops and Australia’s nuclear‑powered submarine program progresses.

At the time, Conroy stated: “Australian industry has incredible access to new and unique opportunities beyond our own submarines, now being able to be work with our AUKUS partners and contribute to the sustainment and build of their submarines as we develop a strong, resilient trilateral submarine industrial base. This is our greatest ever industrial undertaking and this strategy will underpin our success.”

To note, AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and the U.S., intended to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.