Taiwan's MK-48 torpedo procurement delayed to 2030 amid US delivery setbacks.

According to information published by the Liberty Times on September 8, 2024, Taiwan's procurement of the U.S.-made MK-48 Mod6 AT heavyweight torpedoes has faced further delays, pushing the completion date from 2028 to 2030.
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Sailors from the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760) assist in guiding a MK-48 torpedo during a weapons loading operation. (Picture source: Dvids)

This extension marks another shift in a timeline that has seen multiple changes since the original deal was announced. Despite U.S. assurances of timely delivery aimed at strengthening Taiwan's defense against potential threats from China, the schedule has continued to slip.

Initial plans called for the torpedoes to be delivered by 2028, but that date has now been extended by two years. Military sources revealed that while some components of the torpedoes were initially scheduled for delivery by 2025, the U.S. has now revised that timeline to late 2025. This has raised concerns about further delays, particularly regarding the delivery of the torpedoes themselves.

The procurement agreement initially announced by the U.S. in 2017 included 46 MK-48 Mod6 AT torpedoes, but Taiwan later reduced the order to 28 units, consisting of 24 warshot torpedoes and 4 training units. Despite this adjustment, the total budget for the deal remains approximately NT$5.46 billion. The U.S. later announced the sale of an additional 18 torpedoes in 2020, but Taiwan’s defense budget continues to reflect the purchase of only 28 units.

The MK-48 Mod6 AT torpedoes represent a significant upgrade over Taiwan’s current German-made SUT heavyweight torpedoes. With a maximum speed of 55 knots (about 101 km/h) and a range of up to 50 kilometers at a cruising speed of 40 knots, they are faster and have greater range than the SUT, making them a valuable addition to Taiwan’s defensive capabilities. The advanced guidance system and stealth capabilities of the MK-48 Mod6 AT torpedoes are also key advantages, making them harder for enemy vessels to detect and evade.

However, the persistent delays in delivery have raised concerns within Taiwan's military and government circles, as timely upgrades to its naval arsenal are seen as critical in maintaining a robust deterrence against regional threats. The government is reportedly urging the U.S. to ensure that the agreed-upon timeline for the torpedoes is met.