TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan is still relying on German-made SUT torpedoes as it waits to receive all of its purchased MK-48 heavyweight torpedoes.
The German torpedoes have been in service for more than 40 years, and the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology has carried out multiple life-extension upgrades, Liberty Times reported.
Taiwan expects to receive 24 US-made MK-48 torpedoes in batches between 2027 and 2028. Shipments are expected to conclude in 2030.
Although concerns have been raised over structural corrosion, aging electronics, and expired propulsion batteries, ongoing upgrades to internal components and performance have allowed the SUT torpedoes to remain Taiwan’s primary submarine weapon, per Liberty Times.
The MK-48 torpedo can be launched from submarines to sink deep-diving submarines and surface ships. It has a range of 50 kilometers and a top speed of 101 kph.
The torpedo is also relatively quiet, making it more difficult for targets to detect and evade, Liberty Times reported.
