
SEA's TLS is a modular lightweight system configured to launch NATO‐compatible torpedoes. (SEA)
UK ship and fleet protection specialist SEA has secured a contract to supply its triple trainable torpedo launcher system (TLS) to an undisclosed customer in Latin America.
Announcing its selection on 21 January, SEA said the TLS was being procured to equip a Latin American navy's multimillion-pound frigate programme.
SEA's TLS is a weapon-agnostic, close-range, rapid-reaction system for surface ships that can be configured to launch a variety of NATO-compatible standard lightweight torpedoes. It is capable of firing the US Mk 44, Mk 46, and Mk 54 torpedoes, as well as the UK Sting Ray, Italian A244S, French MU90, and Korean Blue Shark.
According to SEA, the modular design enables it to be reconfigured to use other weapons on an individual basis. It can also be configured to fit into containerised mission modules if required. By utilising a common tube selection panel as part of the combat management system the fire-control electronics can be adapted to interface with the ship's decoy launchers and the TLS.
Neil Herbert, vice-president strategic accounts for Latin America at SEA, said the contract proves the value of weapon-agnostic defence capabilities to international navies. “The TLS will provide our end-user with control of its ammunition supply chain and help future-proof the new frigates ahead of new weapon developments,” he said.
SEA's TLS has been in service with the UK Royal Navy (RN) for more than 30 years, and since 2017 has also been adopted by international navies in other regions including North and South America and Southeast Asia.
For more information, please see Philippine corvette torpedo tubes contract awarded via tender process, says SEA.
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