General Dynamics Mission Systems has been awarded a contract by the US Navy to manufacture advanced electronics for the MK 54 MOD 1 lightweight torpedoes.

The fixed-price-incentive, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-only contract has potential value of up to $808.6m.

Under the contract, General Dynamics will be responsible for the supply of torpedo kits and related test equipment, spares, provisioned item orders, engineering support and hardware support for the MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo Programme.

General Dynamics plans to undertake the contract work in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania in the US. The work is expected to be completed by December 2032.

General Dynamics Mission Systems maritime and strategic systems vice-president and general manager Laura Hooks said: “Our Progeny Systems employees have been providing advanced torpedo electronics to the US and allied navies for 18 years.

“This contract ensures that our surface ships and aircraft will have the most modern and capable torpedoes in the world for many years to come.”

The contract also includes options which, if fully exercised, could extend the work and bring the total value to the maximum contract amount.

The Naval Sea Systems Command based in Washington, DC, is overseeing the contracting activities.

The MK 54 Mod 1 torpedo is the enhanced version of the Raytheon-developed MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo, which is said to be integral to the US Navy's anti-submarine warfare.

Designed for operation in both deep and shallow waters, the MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo is capable of overcoming countermeasures to track and engage underwater targets.

This next-generation torpedo combines the advanced sonar transceiver from the MK 50 with the proven warhead and propulsion system of the MK 46.