LIG Nex1 Wins $119M DAPA Project to Develop New Lightweight Torpedo

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) awarded LIG Nex1 a contract valued $119 million (154.9 billion won) to develop new lightweight torpedoes.

The contract was signed on August 11. DAPA’s Light Torpedo-II System Development Project aims develop a new light torpedo to effectively respond to enemy submarines in surface ships of frigates or higher by investing about $126.6 million (165 billion won), the agency said in a statement.

All components for the torpedo will be developed under this project except for the combat warhead.

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) currently uses Baek Sang Eo (White Shark) heavyweight torpedoes and K745 Chung Sang Eo (Blue Shark) lightweight torpedoes in service. Developed in 2004, the Blue Shark is deployed on surface ships, maritime helicopters and anti-submarine patrol aircraft as a means to strike enemy submarines. It is capable of penetrating 1.5m-thick steel.

The new Light Torpedo-II will increase the range and speed of the Blue Shark and apply the latest technologies such as the development of a new sound detection sensor to improve the detection and attack stealthy enemy submarines.

In addition, in order to realize self-defense, most parts will be developed locally and the localization rate will be over 95%.

LIG Nex1 will host and carry out the 'Light Torpedo-II System Development Project' by 2029 based on its extensive development experience in the field of underwater guided weapons.

LIG Nex1 unveiled Tiger Shark heavyweight torpedo during MADEX 2017 to replace the White Sharks. It is specifically designed for the Jangbogo III (KSS-III) class submarines (4000+ tons SSK) of the Navy but will be fielded with KSS-II (Son Won-Il U214 class) first. This torpedo will reportedly be using the same battery type (Li Ion) and technology as the one used on the recent Blue Shark.