The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on July 1, 2013 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of up to 100 MK 54 All-Up-Round Torpedoes and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $ 83 million.
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of 100 MK 54 All-Up-Round Torpedoes, 13 MK 54 Exercise Sections, 13 MK 54 Exercise Fuel Tanks, 5 Recoverable Exercise Torpedoes, support and test equipment for Maintenance Facility upgrade to MK 695 Mod 1 capability, spare and repair parts, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.
“Australia is an important ally in the Western Pacific that contributes significantly to ensuring peace and stability in the region. Australia’s efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact on regional, political and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests”, DSCA said in a release.
Australia will use the MK 54 torpedo on its MH – 60R helicopters and intends to use the torpedo on a planned purchase of the P – 8A Increment 2 Maritime Patrol and Response aircraft. Australia, which currently has MK 54 torpedoes in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional torpedoes into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems in Keyport, Washington. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
[mappress] Press Release, July 5, 2013