US Approves $78.5 Million Foreign Military Sale of MK 54 MOD 0 Torpedoes to Saudi Arabia.

On January 3, 2025, the U.S. State Department announced its approval of a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, valued at an estimated $78.5 million. The sale includes twenty (20) MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes (LWT), along with a range of associated support services and equipment. The decision was officially communicated to Congress on the same day, following the certification from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
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An exercise MK 54 Mod 0 Torpedo is launched from the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt DDG 80. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The proposed sale encompasses not only the torpedoes themselves but also several related items and support elements. The package includes 20 MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo all-up rounds, which are the primary assets being sold. These torpedoes are designed for use by both surface ships and aircraft, offering advanced capabilities for engaging submarines in deep and shallow waters. Along with the torpedoes, the sale will also include MK 54 MOD 0 LWT spare parts, which are essential for maintaining the operational readiness of the systems. Additionally, the sale will cover MK 54 Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes (REXTORP), which are used for training exercises, allowing Saudi forces to practice without using live ordnance.

Other components of the sale include handling shapes and containers for safe storage and transportation of the torpedoes, as well as training services and publications to ensure that the Saudi military can effectively use and maintain the systems. The package also includes support and test equipment needed for maintenance, testing, and operational verification of the torpedo systems. Furthermore, the U.S. government will provide both technical and logistical support through U.S. government and contractor engineering services, ensuring the smooth integration of the new systems into Saudi Arabia's military forces.

The total estimated cost of the program, covering both the hardware and extensive logistical and training support, is $78.5 million.

The U.S. government has highlighted that this sale is consistent with the broader foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Specifically, it will support Saudi Arabia in enhancing its defense capabilities, particularly in anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo is known for its versatility and effectiveness in neutralizing underwater threats, and its addition to Saudi Arabia’s naval arsenal will significantly bolster the Kingdom’s ability to protect its maritime borders. This will also help secure critical maritime routes in the Gulf region, which is strategically important for global trade and energy transportation.

The sale further reinforces the U.S. Department of Defense’s commitment to promoting regional security in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, as a key ally of the United States, will now be better equipped to deter potential maritime threats, contributing to both its own security and the stability of the region. The U.S. government has also stated that Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing the new equipment into its armed forces. This is in part due to the Kingdom’s existing military infrastructure, which is already capable of integrating such advanced systems.

Saudi Arabia has been a long-standing strategic partner of the United States, particularly in defense cooperation and regional security. This proposed sale of MK 54 MOD 0 torpedoes underscores the enduring nature of this partnership, as both countries work together to safeguard maritime security in the Gulf and deter any potential threats to vital international shipping lanes and energy infrastructure. The Kingdom’s military is well-positioned to integrate these new capabilities, and the training and logistical support offered by the U.S. will ensure that the system is effectively utilized.

The approval of this Foreign Military Sale is another milestone in U.S.-Saudi defense relations, underscoring the continued commitment of the United States to support the Kingdom’s defense modernization efforts. The MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo system will play a crucial role in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s naval warfare capabilities, particularly in the area of anti-submarine operations. This development not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s defense posture but also contributes to the broader goals of peace and stability in the Gulf region. By bolstering the Kingdom’s maritime security, the United States continues to solidify its role as a key security partner in the Middle East, ensuring the region remains stable and secure in the face of evolving threats.