The $233 million contract covers proof of manufacturing, qualification phases and the delivery of multiple torpedoes for qualification testing. Integration and initial manufacturing proof will take place at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Plymouth, Minnesota, and at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center, West Virginia.
“Northrop Grumman is leveraging over 80 years of innovative torpedo technology, combined with our capacity and speed in delivery, to accelerate the design qualification and manufacturing for the advanced lightweight torpedo,” said Dave Fine, vice president for armament systems. “This new weapon will provide U.S. and allied sailors with a next-generation response to counter the most advanced undersea threats.”
The programme centres on the MK54 MOD 2, developed under a cooperative agreement with the Australian Defence Force and led by the U.S. Navy. The upgraded torpedo will enhance existing MK54 MOD 0 and MOD 1 inventories through an advanced warhead and processing capabilities, improving performance and lethality across all ocean environments.
Northrop Grumman stated that its facilities and manufacturing approach enable rapid delivery of this urgent requirement. The company added that its expertise in advanced weapons, deep-ocean engineering and undersea vehicles will support successful system integration and testing.
