Swedish Saab has demonstrated its plug-and-play torpedo launcher for CB90 attack boats and USVs to launch Torped 47 lightweight for broader ASW capabilities.
Naval News reported that Torped 47 lightweight torpedo was launched from a USV in addition to the CB90 attack boat, the latter being announced in a press release. Saab made a presentation during UDT 2025, showing the launch of the USV.
Saab’s vision for the modular torpedo launcher is to expand the surface-to-subsurface capabilities of CB90 boats, which are currently limited to depth charges, and allow the USVs to perform ASW missions.
How Does Saab’s Launcher Work?
Having a similar mechanical principle as the fixed torpedo launchers found on warships, Saab’s launcher can work as a pressure or intertially operated system. In the case of smaller platforms, the torpedoes usually have to be launched backwards instead of sideways. Thus, the launchers are mounted at the aft.
The integration process, according to Saab’s presentation, consists of the launcher and the console/remote operation module.
Torped 47 Lightweight Torpedo
Torped 47 is a 400 mm lightweight torpedo developed for warships, helicopters, and submarines. The torpedo stands out from 324 mm lightweight torpedoes with features like fibre-optic supported guidance and the capability to engage small surface vessels in addition to submarines.
Efforts for Better Undersea Security
The war in Ukraine and a series of undersea cable sabotages with Russia as the head suspect has led European countries, particularly those bordering the Baltic Sea, to develop new solutions to bolster undersea security. One such initiative is to acquire USVs for seabed surveillance.
Sweden operates a large fleet of highly configurable CB90 boats, with more than 165 units. Equipping a significant number of these CB90 boats with lightweight torpedoes might be a deterrent against Russian submarines or small vessels with strength in numbers when networked to platforms with adequate sensors.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
