The Government of the United States has authorized the sale of new MK 54 lightweight torpedoes, presumably intended to equip various anti-submarine aircraft in service with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, as well as surface units of the country’s navy. This was disclosed in one of the most recent notifications from the State Department to the U.S. Congress, seeking approval of the operation valued at US$162.1 million, under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program.
Currently, the Royal Norwegian Air Force operates several platforms dedicated to surveillance and anti-submarine warfare missions. Among the most notable are the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, acquired from the United States, which replaced the country’s P-3C/N Orion fleet — later sold and transferred to the Argentine Navy.
However, the force’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities also rely on rotary-wing aircraft. Until recently, these were centered on the problematic NH90 helicopters, which failed to meet the requirements of the Royal Norwegian Air Force; as a result, they are being replaced by MH-60R Seahawks, with the first units expected to be received in 2026.
In this context, and based on information released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Norwegian Government requested from the U.S. the purchase of a total of fifty (50) MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes. The deal, valued at the aforementioned US$162.1 million, has RTX as its main contractor, which will provide the corresponding support package, documentation, and services associated with the potential sale.
The company describes the MK 54 as “…the U.S. Navy’s primary anti-submarine warfare weapon, used by surface ships, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters. Designed to operate in shallow waters and in the presence of countermeasures, it can track, classify, and engage underwater targets.”
Its development responded to the U.S. Navy’s requirement to replace the aging MK 46 and MK 50 torpedoes with a superior solution that combined the strengths of both models; namely: the warhead and guidance system of the MK 50, and the propulsion system of the MK 46. Entering service in 2003, it demonstrated improved performance in shallow waters, along with reduced production and operating costs.
Finally, while the torpedoes are presumably destined for the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s aircraft, their potential use aboard the country’s navy combat ships should not be overlooked.
Photos used for illustration purposes.
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