Lockheed Delivers 250th MK 48 Guidance Section for US Navy Torpedo

Lockheed Martin has delivered the 250th MK 48 Guidance and Control Section, a key component of the MK 48 torpedo used by the US Navy and allied forces.

The system integrates advanced processing and tracking capabilities to detect, pursue, and engage underwater threats, including fast-moving and deep-diving targets.

Designed for high-pressure environments, it enables adaptive responses in complex undersea scenarios.

“Reaching the production of the 250th MK 48 Guidance and Control Section marks a major milestone in our mission to deliver new torpedoes to the (US) fleet,” said Tom Warner, Lockheed Martin, RMS VP of Undersea Warfare.

The announcement comes after the US-based firm secured a $245-million contract extension from the US Naval Sea Systems Command in December last year for continued work on the MK 48 Guidance and Control program.

The effort is set to continue through September 2027.

MK 48 Torpedo

The MK 48 is the primary heavyweight torpedo used by all classes of US Navy submarines for both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

Powered by liquid fuel, it is equipped with advanced sonar, digital guidance and control systems, as well as electronic fuzing.

The MK 48 measures 21 inches (53 centimeters) in diameter, weighs 3,744 pounds (1,698 kilograms), and carries a 650-pound (295 kilograms) high-explosive warhead.

Operators can adjust the MK 48’s course in real-time, using input from the submarine’s fire control system to refine targeting and ensure greater accuracy.

The system can be deployed either independently or in coordination with other torpedoes to target multiple threats simultaneously.