Spearfish weapons system passes UK Royal Navy Sea Acceptance test
Testing the Spearfish system on Vanguard-class submarines will allow fleet modernisation to continue. (Photo: Crown Copyright)
The upgraded torpedo weapon system has now achieved Sea Acceptance on two separate classes of Royal Navy submarines.
The next-generation Spearfish torpedo system has passed its Sea Acceptance testing phase with the UK’s Royal Navy (RN) submarines.
Across three days of testing on board a Vanguard-class submarine off the coast of Scotland, the Spearfish engaged with both surface and submerged targets.
The testing marked the first time the Spearfish had been used on board a Vanguard-class nuclear-powered submarine. It allowed submariners to assess the system’s capabilities with the Vanguard-class’s combat systems, and ensure command and control worked efficiently on the class.
The testing means that the Spearfish has been cleared for use on both the RN's Astute and Vanguard-class submarines.
A version of the Spearfish has been the navy’s go-to torpedo for nearly 30 years but the new version that has just been tested on the Vanguard class is a modernised variant, known as Spearfish Mod 1. It has a new warhead, a safer fuel system and an improved electronic system ad well as a fibre-optic guidance link with its parent submarine to improve its accuracy and lethality.
Commodore Chris Goodsell, deputy director, submarines, said: “These firings are a major step in ensuring the Royal Navy’s Spearfish torpedoes remain ready to face the latest threats, with cutting edge technology at the forefront of the weapon’s success”.
Work is ongoing to replace existing Spearfish torpedoes with the Mod 1 version for entry into operational service on board all RN submarines by 2025.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?]()
How far will the US Navy’s FF(X) design deviate from the Legend-class?
The new frigate class’s focus on modularity, speed to build and enhanced armament align with the priorities of the US Navy’s Golden Fleet.
-
![How China’s naval advancements are pushing the US Navy to innovate]()
How China’s naval advancements are pushing the US Navy to innovate
The US Navy is set to invest $30 billion in artificial intelligence, cyber, space and autonomy research and development efforts in FY2026 as the force rethinks how it fights in light of China’s naval rise.
-
![US Coast Guard to invest nearly $11 billion in new capabilities by October]()
US Coast Guard to invest nearly $11 billion in new capabilities by October
The US Coast Guard is expected to acquire new aircraft, helicopters, vessels and ISR sensors this fiscal year using resources from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
-
![UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power]()
UK and France signal shift to autonomous helicopters to boost naval power
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
-
![US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months]()
US Coast Guard’s small response boat demonstrators to be delivered in three months
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
-
![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.
