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
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?]()
What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?
The US arsenal includes amphibious assault and littoral combat ships, cutters, destroyers, landing platform docks, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, drones, ISR aircraft, helicopters and fighters.
-
![HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy]()
HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy
As HMS Agamemnon moves closer towards joining the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, how does the sixth Astute-class fit into the Royal Navy’s defence strategy?
-
![French Navy frigates to align with Hellenic Navy after Aster missile enhancement]()
French Navy frigates to align with Hellenic Navy after Aster missile enhancement
The FDI frigates will have an enhanced warfare capability that matches the configuration of ships ordered by Greece.
-
![Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress]()
Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress
The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.
-
![US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers
Contracts for new light and medium cutters are expected to be awarded in mid-2026.
-
![Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening]()
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.
