Latest Evolution Will Significantly Increase Navy’s ASW Capability

Leonardo is to supply its BLACK SHARK ADVANCED (BSA) heavy torpedo to the Italian Navy, significantly increasing the service’s ASW capability, the company announced on 20 June.

The BSA, an evolution of the BLACK SHARK heavy torpedo already acquired by several navies, including those of Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Portugal and Singapore, will equip the Italian Navy’s U212A-class submarines. Featuring innovative technology, advanced performance and reduced life-cycle costs, the BSA is the result of extensive cooperation between the Italian Navy and Leonardo.

This latest version integrates an innovative energy production section that can be optimised, according to the use of the system, for training or operational purposes. When the BSA is used for training activities, a newly-developed rechargeable battery is used that allows a higher number of launches – up to one hundred – compared to its predecessor, providing significant cost savings. In the operational configuration, the BSA is equipped with an innovative battery that ensures an increase in both capabilities and performance, as well as delivering a significant reduction in life-cycle costs.