The Albanese Government is enhancing the lethality of Australia's submarine fleet under a $200 million agreement with the United States to acquire additional quantities of state-of-the-art torpedoes.
Designed for both anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, the additional stocks of MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes will deliver a critical boost to the defensive and offensive capabilities of Australia's Collins class submarines. The MK-48 will also be used on Australia's future nuclear-powered submarines.
The MK-48 is the product of a joint program between the Australian Government and United States Government. This involves the joint development of MK-48 hardware and software and supports the acquisition and sustainment of the capability for both the Royal Australian Navy and United States Navy, underscoring the depth of our longstanding alliance.
Australian MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes are procured as sections that are assembled and tested at the Torpedo Maintenance Facility in Western Australia, which is also certified to assemble, maintain and test the weapon for use in United States Navy platforms.
This procurement contributes to Australia's deterrence capabilities and is another example of the Albanese Government's progress in delivering the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy:
"With this announcement the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring the Navy has the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe.
"This boost to our stocks of MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes also demonstrates the Government's commitment to deliver on priorities in the 2024 National Defence Strategy that contribute to the strategy of denial.
"The continuous joint development of the MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedo provides the Australian Navy with the latest technology to counter current and future threats. This acquisition is a testament to Australia's strong, long-standing alliance with the United States."
