Upgraded Spearfish torpedo can be ‘directed’ after launch
OPERATORS firing a Spearfish torpedo from a Royal Navy submarine in the future will be able to direct it to its target.
While the Spearfish torpedo already performs well, it’s about to receive some major upgrades to make them even more effective, including a new warhead, a change to the fuel system to improve safety and ‘full digitisation’.
By far one of the most interesting upgrades is a new fibre optic guidance link that will allow operators in the submarine to direct the Spearfish to its target after launch. The old Spearfish used sonar to do this.
BAE Systems has
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![AUKUS heavyweight torpedo test raises questions over future armed UUV requirements]()
AUKUS heavyweight torpedo test raises questions over future armed UUV requirements
A heavyweight torpedo firing from the Royal Navy’s uncrewed submarine XV Excalibur suggests a shift beyond surveillance, with allied navies eyeing strike roles for large autonomous undersea vessels.
-
![Industrial teams prepare roadmap for Indonesia aircraft carrier transformation]()
Industrial teams prepare roadmap for Indonesia aircraft carrier transformation
Fincantieri and PT PAL have agreed on a framework to modernise the former Giuseppe Garibaldi, with drones, communications and broader Italian–Indonesian industrial ties involved.
-
![Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?]()
Five years on: where could opportunities emerge next for AUKUS Pillar II?
Payload commonality, combat systems and electronic warfare are emerging as likely priorities as the trilateral partnership balances building submarines with sharing industrial ecosystems.
