Canada Seeks Technology Kits To Improve MK-48 Torpedoes

Canada wants to buy advanced technology kits to upgrade MK-48 torpedoes used on its Victoria-class submarines, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said Thursday.

The 12 MK-48 Mod 7 Advanced Technology Torpedo Kits, together with associated equipment parts, would be provided under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program and carry a value of $41 million.

The agency, in its required notification to Congress, said the U.S. State Department had signed off on the deal.

The MK-48 torpedo is a heavyweight weapon designed to sink nuclear-powered submarines and high-performance surface ships. The first models came into service in the early 1970s.

The kits requested by Canada would upgrade the torpedoes from their Mod 4 configuration to a Mod 7 configuration, DSCA said. Their sale would have "no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness," it added.

Lockheed Martin will be the principle contractor in case the sale is approved and finalized.