U.S. Navy to Revamp Torpedo Stockpile Under New Two-War Budget

Congress has passed a budget that compels the U.S. Navy to overhaul its torpedo reserves as part of a shift toward a two-war strategy, meaning the force must be ready for two major regional engagements at once. Manufacturers are concentrating on scaling up output of the MK-48 Advanced Capability heavyweight torpedo and the MK-54 lightweight torpedo to satisfy the minimum stock levels set by the new funding. While the Navy has not disclosed the exact target quantity, internal estimates tie the requirement to potential near-peer confrontations.

Additionally, the service must devise a plan to dramatically boost torpedo production during wartime or peacetime if needed. The move comes as the military scrambles to replace missiles and interceptors worn down in the recent 12-day exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran, which exhausted a significant share of THAAD interceptors and strained Patriot supplies.