Royal Navy torpedoes upgraded

LONDON, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- The anti-submarine and anti-surface vessel Spearfish torpedo in service with the Royal Navy is being upgraded by BAE Systems.

The contract from Britain's Ministry of Defense is worth $424 million. Deliveries of the upgraded torpedoes will begin in 2020 and continue through 2024.

"Upgrading the Spearfish Heavyweight Torpedo will provide sophisticated advances for the Royal Navy with increased operational advantage in the underwater domain," said John Hudson, managing director for BAE Systems' UK Maritime Sector.

"As well as sustaining and creating jobs in the Solent region(of the country), the contract allows the opportunity to work on one of the most exciting development programs in the country, underpinning BAE Systems' position at the forefront of underwater systems development over the last 40 years."

The Spearfish Mod 1 upgrade extends the life of the torpedo, introduces an insensitive munitions warhead, a single fuel system and more capable data links between the weapon system and the launching vessel.

The Spearfish torpedo by BAE Systems first came into service in 1992 and has an operational range of 30 nautical miles. It can operate autonomously from launch and is capable of variable speeds.

They are currently deployed on Royal Navy Trafalgar, Vanguard and Astute-class submarines.