Service Intends to Upgrade Existing Mk 46 Torpedoes

The Netherlands has requested 106 Mk 54 lightweight torpedo conversion kits in a possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract. Prime contractor for the order, if confirmed, will be Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems in Portsmouth, RI and the estimated contract value stands at around U$169 million.

The Dutch request consists of 106 MK 54 conversion kits (with which to upgrade its existing MK 46 torpedo inventory); torpedo containers; Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP), with containers; Fleet Exercise Section (FES) and fuel tanks; helicopter launch accessories; torpedo launcher interface cabinets; ground handling equipment; spare parts, training, publications and support and test equipment and services.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSAC) informed Congress of State Department approval of the potential sale on 31 July.