53-65K torpedo

Also known as

53-65
Type 53-65K
53/65K

The 53-65K is a Soviet 533 mm wake-homing submarine torpedo developed at the S.M. Kirov Torpedo Plant in Alma-Ata and carried by submarines such as the Delta III class.

53-65K torpedo, 533 mm submarine torpedo, Munitions

Image source: 53-65K torpedo MW.JPG - Wikimedia Commons

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: Soviet Union
Built by: S.M. Kirov Torpedo Plant
Type: 533 mm submarine torpedo
Service note: Cold War
Unit cost: 21,000 rubles (reported)

anti-ship naval submarine torpedo

Specifications

Caliber: 533 mm
Length: 7.2 m
Weight: 2,070 kg
Warhead: 307.6 kg high explosive
Guidance: Wake homing
Propulsion: Kerosene-oxygen turbine
Range: Up to 19 km
Speed: 45 knots

Firing Platforms

The 53-65K appears in the torpedo fit of Delta III-class submarines.

Firing weapon

Weapon type

Firing evidence

Delta III-class submarine, Ballistic missile submarine, Naval Systems

Delta III-class submarine

Ballistic missile submarine

The class source lists the 53-65K among the torpedoes carried in its four 533 mm tubes.

Sources: Delta III-class submarine - Naval Encyclopedia

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Introduced in 1969.

Media

53-65K torpedo Images

53-65K torpedo, 533 mm submarine torpedo, Munitions - view 1 — Source: 53-65K torpedo at Park Patriot.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Sources

53-65K torpedo - MilitaryRussiaPublisher: MilitaryRussia | Note: Supports Soviet development background, manufacturer context at the S.M. Kirov Torpedo Plant, and reported technical characteristics for the 53-65K variant. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Type 53-65 - Weaponsystems.netPublisher: Weaponsystems.net | Note: Supports the torpedo's wake-homing role, common 53-65K variant, and general technical background. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Underwater Weapons: Problems and Capabilities - Russian NavyPublisher: Rusnavy | Note: Supports the reported mid-1980s unit cost for the 53-65K submarine torpedo. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 53-65K torpedo MW.JPG - Wikimedia CommonsPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the torpedo display photo used as the primary image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 53-65K torpedo at Park Patriot.jpg - Wikimedia CommonsPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and licensing context for the park display torpedo image in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Delta III-class submarine - Naval EncyclopediaPublisher: Naval Encyclopedia | Note: Supports the firing-platform relationship: the Delta III-class submarine page lists the 53-65K among torpedoes carried in its four 533 mm tubes. | Accessed: 2026-06-27