The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale of 106 Mk 54 conversion kits to the Netherlands, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 31 July.
In a package worth $169 million, the Netherlands has requested to buy 106 Mk 54 conversion kits, torpedo containers, recoverable exercise torpedoes with containers; fleet exercise section and fuel tanks; air launch accessories for rotary wing aircraft; torpedo launcher interface cabinets; ground handling equipment; torpedo spare parts; training; support and test equipment and logistics support services.
The Royal Netherlands Navy intends to upgrade its current Mk 46 torpedoes to the Mk 54 with the purchase of these kits.
If the sale goes ahead, Raytheon Integrated Defense System will be the prime contractor.
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
Connect with us on socials
