Netherlands to request 16 U.S. MK-48 Mod 7 Advanced Technology torpedo conversion kits.

The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands of sixteen (16) MK-48 Mod 7 Advanced Technology (AT) torpedo conversion kits and related equipment for an estimated cost of $85 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on February 26, 2020.

Mk-48 ADCAP torpedo was loaded into USS California (SSN 781) - January 2017. (Picture source Seaforces.org)

The Government of the Netherlands has requested to buy sixteen (16) MK-48 Mod 7 Advanced Technology (AT) torpedo conversion kits. Also included are spare parts, containers, associated hardware, torpedo handling equipment, and cables; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $85 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Northern Europe.

The Netherlands desires to upgrade additional MK 48 Mod 4 torpedoes to the MK 48 Mod 7 AT model. They intend to use the MK 48 Mod 7 AT torpedo on their Walrus Class submarines. The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The Mk48 Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) torpedo is optimized for both the deep and littoral waters and has advanced counter-countermeasure capabilities. The MK48 ADCAP Mod 7 (CBASS) torpedo is the result of a Joint Development Program with the Royal Australian Navy and reached Initial Operational Capability in 2006. The modular Mod 7 variant increases sonar bandwidth, enabling it to transmit and receive pings over a wider frequency band, taking advantage of broadband signal processing techniques to greatly improve search, acquisition, and attack effectiveness. This version is much more resistant to enemy countermeasures

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Company, Portsmouth, RI. The Netherlands may require offset agreements in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the Purchaser and the prime contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Netherlands. Travel of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Netherlands on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight will be required.