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Northrop Grumman to Build MK54 MOD 2
Northrop Grumman will manufacture and deliver to the US Navy the MK54 MOD 2, a new advanced lightweight torpedo with a custom-designed warhead to increase its lethality. Northrop Grumman will draw upon decades of production expertise to deliver a weapon that fires from multiple naval platforms.
- Northrop Grumman will perform the integration and initial proof of manufacturing at the company’s facility in Plymouth, Minnesota, and Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) in Rocket Center, West Virginia.
- The contract, worth $233 million, covers the proof of manufacturing and qualification phases, as well as delivery of multiple torpedoes for qualification testing.
- Northrop Grumman’s state-of-the-art facilities and technologies allow for rapid delivery of this urgent US Navy requirement.
Details on the Advanced Lightweight Torpedo Program
Dave Fine, vice president, armament systems, Northrop Grumman, said in a company news release: “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. This new weapon will provide U.S. and allied sailors with a next-generation response to counter the most advanced undersea threats.”
The MK54 MOD 2 was designed under a cooperative development agreement with the Australian Defence Force, led by the US Navy. This upgraded torpedo will enhance the existing inventory of MK54 MOD 0 and MOD 1 variants with Northrop Grumman’s advanced warhead and processing capabilities, resulting in increased performance and lethality. Capable of tracking, classifying, and attacking underwater targets, MK54 MOD 2 will operate in all ocean environments.
The most capable ASW weapon used by US surface ships
The MK 54 lightweight torpedo is the most capable anti-submarine weapon (ASW) weapon used by US surface ships, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters.
The MK 54 Mod 2 is expected to deliver an Early Operational Capability in FY26. The MK 54 Mod 2 will have a new propulsion system and warhead. The MK 54 Mod 2 is not compatible with the current Vertical Launched Anti-submarine rocket (VLA) or High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Weapon Capability (HAAWC) systems.
Photo credit: Northrop Grumman
