Belgium and Germany seek lightweight torpedoes
The US Defence Security and Cooperation Agency (DCSA) on 9 July gave the green light to two FMS deals involving the Raytheon MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo (LWT).
Germany is to receive a total of 64 torpedoes plus ten MK 54 Conversion Kits and related equipment for an estimated $130 million.
Belgium will receive 29 torpedoes (in the MK 54 LWT Mod 0 configuration) and related equipment for an estimated $33.3 million, as its navy phases out the MK 46 torpedo.
Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems will be the prime contractor on both these FMS deals.
The DCSA noted that the new torpedoes will upgrade ASW capabilities on the German fleet of eight P-3C Orion aircraft.
The MK 54 will enable the Belgian Navy to engage submarines from its fleet of NH90 NFH helicopters and a new generation of multimission frigates, it added.
Australia, Canada, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the UK are among the other countries to buy the MK 54 LWT.
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