US Navy awards $257m contract for new Mk 48 torpedoes

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $257.28 million modification to an existing contract supporting the Mk 48 Mod 7 heavyweight torpedo programme. The award covers the manufacture of components and spares, production-support material, engineering support and hardware repairs rather than a straightforward purchase of complete new torpedoes. The modification extends production activity through September 2029 and will support the U.S. Navy, the Royal Australian Navy and Foreign Military Sales customers. Mk 48 Mod 7 remains the principal submarine-launched heavyweight torpedo used for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.