The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible sale of 12 Mk-48 Mod 7 Advanced Technology (AT) torpedo conversion kits and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support to Canada.
The estimated $41m foreign military sale (FMS) programme also includes containers, spare and repair parts, weapon system support and integration, as well as publication and technical documentation.
Logistics support services, personnel training and training equipment, and US Government and contractor engineering are included.
The Mk 48 Mod 7AT torpedoes are likely to be deployed on the Royal Canadian Navy’s Victoria-class submarines. Canada has already deployed Mk-48 Mod 4/4M and Mk-46 Mod 5A (SW) torpedoes.
Lockheed Martin Sippican is the prime contractor for the FMS programme.
Lockheed Martin has launched the new Mk-48 Mod 7 common broadband advanced sonar system (CBASS) programme in a bid to bolster the capability of the Mk-48 heavyweight torpedo, in addition to boosting its bandwidth, streamlined targeting and tracking capabilities.
Mk-48 heavyweight torpedoes are already used by the navies of Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands, among others.
