SEA sells TLS to unnamed navy in the Americas
The triple-trainable TLS. (Photo: SEA)
The longstanding modular torpedo launching system has been adopted by the unnamed navy.
UK defensive systems maker SEA has sold its weapon-agnostic triple-trainable Torpedo Launcher System (TLS) into what the company said was a “multi-million pound Latin American frigate programme”.
While SEA would not reveal which frigate programme in Central or South America had taken the TLS, the system has a long history of operation in a number of navies around the world, including with the UK’s own Royal Navy where it has been in service for more than 30 years.
The TLS operates as both a close range and a rapid-reaction system. It is capable of firing a variety of NATO-compatible standard lightweight torpedoes, including the US Mk44, Mk46 and Mk54 torpedoes, UK Sting Ray, Italian A244S, French MU90 and the Korean Blue Shark.
Related Articles
SEA to deliver TLS to three SE Asia navies
South American navy selects TLS
The modular design of the TLS means it can also be fitted into containerised mission modules, and SEA has sold it into several South American fleets in recent years.
In 2021, an unnamed South American naval fleet adopted the TLS. In 2022, the Philippine Navy added the system to two new corvettes sourced from South Korea, having previously used the TLS on some of its frigates.
In 2018, SEA announced it had also sold the TLS into three unnamed navies in Southeast Asia.
On the most recent TLS sale, Neil Herbert, VP for strategic accounts in Latin America at SEA, said: “This contract award represents a major step in our ambition to share the best of the industry’s technology with navies across the globe. The TLS will provide our end user with control of its ammunition supply chain and help future-proof the new frigates ahead of new weapon developments.”
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement]()
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
-
![Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?]()
Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?
Rheinmetall has unveiled its first next-generation frigate design, showing ambitions to compete as a surface combatant prime contractor. While the company is targeting North America, analysts believe the concept may be better positioned for future European programmes.
-
![US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production]()
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
-
![US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit]()
US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit
Wallops Island trials will validate the next-generation radar's combat system integration before its installation aboard USS Pinckney, the first Flight IIA destroyer to receive the SPY-6(V)4 upgrade.
-
![Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback]()
Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback
Hanwha Ocean is deepening ties with the US and eyeing a submarine opportunity in Saudi Arabia, as South Korea looks to convert its Canadian defeat into export momentum.
