In service with the Royal Navy since 1994, the heavyweight BAE Spearfish torpedo is being upgraded.
Naval Technology describes Spearfish as;
The Spearfish advanced heavy weight torpedo from BAE Systems is effective against submarine and surface threats in oceanic and coastal waters. The 1.85t torpedo is in service with the submarine fleet of the UK Royal Navy. The Spearfish carries Aluminised PBX explosive warhead of 300kg and is directed towards the target by high-capacity guide wire system and passive and active sonar. Its power plant is composed of a gas turbine engine using Otto Fuel as a liquid monopropellant, and Hydroxyl Ammonium Perchlorate (HAP) as oxidant. The propulsion system allows the Spearfish to engage targets within 48km at low speed.
This additional £270 million contract is specifically for the manufacture phase of activity that started several years ago as part of the 2009-2019 £369.5 million Torpedo Support Contract.
The upgrade will address improvements across a broad range of subsystems so that the torpedo remains effective and useful for use in the Royal Navy submarine fleet