Blue Shark torpedo is about to gain sharper teeth
A P-3 Orion aircraft of the ROK Navy drops a K745 Blue Shark torpedo. (Gordon Arthur)
South Korea is developing an improved variant of its Blue Shark torpedo, plus it will still order CIWS from the US until a new domestic weapon is available later this decade.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in South Korea has selected LIG Nex1 as the preferred bidder to improve the K745 Blue Shark lightweight torpedo.
LIG Nex1 announced this KRW160 billion ($128 million) award on 4 April. DAPA first publicised this Light Torpedo 2 programme last November.
After a development process, the new torpedo should be ready for production by 2029, and other domestic firms will assist LIG Nex1 in developing the improved weapon.
Ji-Chan Kim, CE of LIG Nex1, said, 'We will strengthen the partnership with involved parties for the Light Torpedo 2 to protect the water of South Korea,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future]()
What HII’s UK expansion could mean for Royal Navy’s uncrewed future
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
-
![Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?]()
Can the West keep up with China’s “XXL” uncrewed submarines?
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
-
![First made-in-Finland US Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutter to be delivered in 2028]()
First made-in-Finland US Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutter to be delivered in 2028
The first Arctic Security Cutter will be built by Rauma Marine Constructions to be deployed in the US Arctic waters.
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
-
![Will the US Navy surge production for OTH-WS missile?]()
Will the US Navy surge production for OTH-WS missile?
The USN is conducting a market search seeking additional sources capable of supplying 516 units of Over the Horizon – Weapons System Encanistered Missiles.
