MK-48 torpedo guidance and control assemblies

The US Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded Lockheed Martin a US$245 million (AU$380.9 million) contract extension for the MK-48 Guidance and Control Mod 7 program.

This contract combines purchases for the US Navy, the Royal Australian Navy and the foreign military sales program, with Lockheed Martin expected to complete work on this contract by September 2027.

The MK-48 Guidance and Control program is a critical component of the US Navy’s submarine fleet, providing advanced systems for the MK 48 torpedo. This contract extension will allow Lockheed Martin to continue delivering these essential systems to the Navy, as well as allied nations, including the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarines.

These sections are necessary to increase the overall number of MK 48 Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes in the Navy’s and allied forces inventory. Earlier this year, Lockheed Martin delivered their 100th guidance and control section for the MK 48 torpedo, meeting a high-priority milestone.

The MK 48 heavyweight torpedo is used by all classes of (U.S.) submarines as their primary anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare weapon.