Bofors 375 mm rocket launcher

Also known as

Bofors M/50
Bofors 375mm M/50
375 mm anti-submarine rocket launcher
375 mm ASW rocket launcher

The Bofors 375 mm rocket launcher is a Swedish naval anti-submarine warfare launcher family built around 375 mm rocket-powered depth charges. Weaponsystems.net describes the M/50 system as an unmanned multi-barrel launcher with four-, six-, and twin-tube variants, including the French Modèle 54 sextuple mount fitted to ships such as the D'Estienne d'Orves-class aviso.

Bofors 375 mm rocket launcher, Shipboard anti-submarine rocket launcher, Naval Systems

Image source: File:Anti-submarine rocket launcher 375 mm model 1972-IMG 4174.JPG

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: Sweden
Built by: Bofors
Type: Shipboard anti-submarine rocket launcher
Service note: Cold War
Designed: Early 1950s

naval shipboard anti-submarine warfare rocket launcher

Specifications

Caliber: 375 mm
Launch tubes: 2, 4, or 6
Mount: Unmanned below-deck loader
Ammunition: 375 mm rocket-powered anti-submarine depth charges
Fire control: Sonar input with electro-mechanical or digital predictors
Reloads: 24 to 48 rounds depending on launcher

Variants

B2
B4
Modèle 54
Type 71

Carrier Platforms

The launcher is documented aboard D'Estienne d'Orves-class avisos in a remote-controlled sextuple fit with below-deck reloads.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

D'Estienne d'Orves-class aviso, Aviso / light corvette, Naval Systems

D'Estienne d'Orves-class aviso

Aviso / light corvette

Seaforces says the class mounts one remote-controlled sextuple 375 mm rocket launcher with 30 reloads carried in a magazine beneath the aft deckhouse.

Sources: Seaforces: D'Estienne d'Orves class Corvette Aviso French Navy Marine

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Entered service in the early 1950s; later adapted into four-, six-, and twin-tube shipboard mounts.
Used by: Swedish Navy, Royal Netherlands Navy, French Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

Media

Bofors 375 mm rocket launcher Images

Bofors 375 mm rocket launcher, Shipboard anti-submarine rocket launcher, Naval Systems - view 1 — Source: File:Anti-submarine rocket launcher 375 mm model 1972-IMG 4184.JPG

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Sources

Weaponsystems: Bofors M/50Publisher: Weaponsystems.net | Note: Supports the launcher family designation, Swedish origin, operational history, launcher layout, and general specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Weaponsystems: Bofors 375mm M/50Publisher: Weaponsystems.net | Note: Supports the 375 mm rocket family, tube-count variants, and range and fuse development for the launcher family. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Seaforces: D'Estienne d'Orves class Corvette Aviso French Navy MarinePublisher: seaforces.org | Note: Supports the launcher's documented fit aboard D'Estienne d'Orves-class avisos, including the remote-controlled sextuple mount and below-deck reload magazine. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 File:Anti-submarine rocket launcher 375 mm model 1972-IMG 4174.JPGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports the primary image and its provenance. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 File:Anti-submarine rocket launcher 375 mm model 1972-IMG 4184.JPGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports the gallery image and its provenance. | Accessed: 2026-06-27