The US Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman a $233m contract to manufacture and supply MK54 MOD 2, an advanced lightweight torpedo featuring a custom-designed warhead.
The agreement includes integration and initial proof of manufacturing, which will take place at the company’s Plymouth, Minnesota facility and the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center, West Virginia.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The deal covers the qualification phases and the delivery of multiple torpedoes for testing.
Northrop Grumman armament systems vice president Dave Fine said: “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 US and allied sailors with a next-generation response to counter the most advanced undersea threats.”
The MK54 MOD 2 torpedo was developed through a cooperative agreement between the US Navy and the Australian Defence Force.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataThis version aims to add to the existing MK54 MOD 0 and MOD 1 variants by incorporating Northrop Grumman’s updated warhead and processing technology, with the intention of increasing its operational effectiveness.
The weapon is designed for deployment from a range of naval platforms and is capable of detecting, classifying, and engaging underwater targets across various ocean conditions.
Northrop Grumman’s range of advanced weapons also comprises missiles, components, armaments, electronics, and interceptors designed to address security threats.
The company’s experience in deep ocean engineering and undersea vehicles is expected to support effective integration and testing of these systems.
In 2020, Northrop Grumman already manufactured and tested the very lightweight torpedo (VLWT) for the US Navy.
