South American navy selects TLS

SEA is to provide its modular Torpedo Launcher System (TLS) to an unnamed South American navy for a multi-ship programme.

The UK company did not disclose the value of the deal or a delivery timeframe in a 3 March announcement.

Richard Flitton, MD of SEA, said: ‘This development also highlights our presence in South America, which provides a hub to build on and support future naval requirements in the region.’

SEA is already working with SIATT to explore routes to market for defence equipment and services in Brazil, under an MoU signed in April 2019.

TLS can be configured to fire any NATO-standard lightweight torpedo, enabling operators to benefit from the flexibility of selecting the best weapon and the option of re-configuring during the life of the ship.

SEA notes that the TLS is capable of firing the US MK 44, MK 46 and MK 54 torpedoes, as well as the UK Sting Ray, Italian A244S, French MU90 and South Korean Blue Shark.

The torpedo launcher ‘can also be configured to use other weapons on an individual basis’, SEA added. By using a common tube selection panel as part of the combat management system, torpedo fire control electronics can be adapted to interface with vessel decoy launchers and the TLS.

As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.