Profile
- Origin
- United States
- Built by
- Raytheon
- Type
- Lightweight anti-submarine torpedo
- Service note
- 2004-present
- Designer
- U.S. Navy and Raytheon
- Produced
- 2004-present
Munitions
MK 54 lightweight torpedo
Also known as
- Mark 54 torpedo
- Mk 54
- MK54
- Lightweight Hybrid Torpedo
- LHT
- MK 54 MOD 0
- MK 54 MOD 0 Block Upgrade
- MK 54 MOD 1
- MK 54 MOD 1 Increment 1
- MK 54 MOD 1 Increment 2
- MK 54 MOD 2
- Advanced Lightweight Torpedo
- MK 54 VLA
- HAAWC
- High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability
- Air Launch Accessory
The MK 54 lightweight torpedo is a U.S. Navy anti-submarine torpedo carried by surface ships, MH-60R helicopters, P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, and VL-ASROC delivery rockets. Official Navy, RTX, NAVAIR, Boeing, and DOT&E sources describe a hybrid MK 46/MK 50 lineage, Mod 1 sonar and processing upgrades, the P-8A HAAWC air-launch accessory path, and a Mod 2 Advanced Lightweight Torpedo modernization still tracked publicly as a development program rather than a conflict-use record.
Profile / Specs
Specifications
- Primary function
- Lightweight torpedo
- Propulsion
- Liquid propellant
- Length
- 106.9 inches
- Diameter
- 12.75 inches
- Weight
- 607 pounds
- Warhead
- 100 pounds high-explosive
- Launch platforms
- Surface ships, aircraft, helicopters, and VL-ASROC delivery
- Guidance and processing
- Advanced guidance-and-control section with commercial-off-the-shelf digital signal processing and continued software upgrades
- HAAWC delivery
- Air Launch Accessory wing kit for P-8A high-altitude release; the accessory separates before torpedo water entry
- VLA compatibility caveat
- Public DOT&E reporting ties VLA support to Mod 0 and Mod 0 Block Upgrade, while Mod 1 increments are not approved for VLA and Mod 2 requires VLA redesign
Lineage And Launch Paths
The MK 54 sits between older lightweight torpedo families and newer launch-accessory and modernization work. Navy and RTX sources describe the weapon as combining MK 46 and MK 50 program hardware with newer digital processing, while official test and acquisition sources separate the surface, helicopter, P-8A, HAAWC, and VL-ASROC delivery paths.
Hybrid baseline
RTX describes the MK 54 as combining the MK 50 sonar transceiver with the older MK 46 warhead and propulsion system.
Surface and vertical launch
The Navy identifies the MK 54 as a surface-ship and aircraft-launched anti-submarine weapon and lists the MK 54 VLA system IOC in 2010.
P-8A release path
NAVAIR documented a P-8A MK 54 exercise-torpedo separation test in 2011; Boeing later described HAAWC as an Air Launch Accessory kit that turns the torpedo into a precision-guided glide weapon before water entry.
Modernization boundary
DOT&E describes Mod 1 sonar and software increments and a Mod 2 development path, while noting that newer increments and Mod 2 require separate VLA or HAAWC integration work rather than automatic compatibility.
Sources: MK 54 - Lightweight Torpedo; MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo | Raytheon; P-8A successfully launches first MK 54 weapon test; Boeing HAAWC IOC News Release; DOT&E FY2022 Mk 54 and HAAWC; DOT&E FY2023 Mk 54.
Variants
Navy and DOT&E sources distinguish MK 54 hardware by modification number and increment: Mod 0 is the initial fleet standard, Mod 1 adds sonar and processing upgrades, and Mod 2 is the Advanced Lightweight Torpedo modernization with new lethality and propulsion work.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| MK 54 MOD 0 | Initial fleet standard | The Navy fact file says MK 54 MOD 0 reached Initial Operational Capability in 2004 after combining hardware and software from the MK 46 and MK 50 torpedo programs. Sources: MK 54 - Lightweight Torpedo |
| MK 54 MOD 0 Block Upgrade | Software-upgraded Mod 0 path | DOT&E describes the Mod 0 Block Upgrade as a software improvement path; later DOT&E reporting ties VLA support to Mod 0 and Mod 0 Block Upgrade rather than to newer Mod 1 increments. Sources: DOT&E FY2020 Mk 54 and HAAWC |
| MK 54 MOD 1 Increment 1 | Sonar and APB 5 software upgrade | DOT&E says Mod 1 Increment 1 adds a new sonar array and Advanced Processor Build 5 software from the MK 48 heavyweight torpedo program; it entered full-rate production in April 2023. |
| MK 54 MOD 1 Increment 2 | Follow-on Mod 1 software and hardware path | DOT&E describes Increment 2 as adding APB 6 software for multi-band sonar processing, followed by hardware-obsolescence upgrades to optimize the new software. Sources: DOT&E FY2023 Mk 54 |
| MK 54 MOD 2 | Advanced Lightweight Torpedo modernization | DOT&E describes Mod 2 as a U.S.-Australian joint development effort with a new warhead and engine intended to improve lethality, speed, endurance, and operating depth; Northrop Grumman later described its production role for MK54 MOD 2 qualification torpedoes. Sources: DOT&E FY2023 Mk 54, Northrop Grumman Advanced Lightweight Torpedo |
Rocket Delivery System
The Navy identifies the MK 54 VLA system as a vertical-launch anti-submarine rocket delivery path for the torpedo.
| Launcher | Launcher type | Launch evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Vertical-launch anti-submarine missile | Navy fact files state that VL-ASROC delivers the MK 54 lightweight torpedo to a water-entry point near a submarine target and list the MK 54 VLA system IOC in 2010. Sources: MK 54 - Lightweight Torpedo, Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket ASROC (VLA) Missile |
Carrier Aircraft
Official test and program sources document the MK 54 on P-8A Poseidon maritime-patrol aircraft, including conventional release testing and the HAAWC air-launch accessory path.
| Carrier | Carrier type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Maritime patrol aircraft | NAVAIR reported the first P-8A MK 54 exercise-torpedo launch in 2011, and Boeing says HAAWC attaches an Air Launch Accessory kit to an MK 54 for P-8A release from near or below cruising altitude. Sources: P-8A successfully launches first MK 54 weapon test, Boeing HAAWC IOC News Release |
Carrier Helicopters
The MK 54 remains part of the shipboard helicopter anti-submarine mission set, with public imagery documenting MH-60R training-torpedo mounting.
| Carrier | Carrier type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Anti-submarine and surface-warfare helicopter | DVIDS documented HSM-77 sailors preparing an inert MK 54 lightweight torpedo for mounting on an MH-60R Sea Hawk during a 2022 training exercise in Japan. |
Timeline
MK 54 lightweight torpedo Key Events
MK 54 MOD 0 reaches IOC
The Navy says MK 54 MOD 0 reached Initial Operational Capability in 2004 after integrating hardware and software from the MK 46 and MK 50 torpedo programs.
Sources: MK 54 - Lightweight Torpedo
VL-ASROC MK 54 path reaches IOC
The Navy fact file lists the MK 54 Vertical Launched Anti-Submarine Rocket system as reaching Initial Operational Capability in 2010.
Sources: MK 54 - Lightweight Torpedo
P-8A first MK 54 release test
NAVAIR reported that a P-8A Poseidon test aircraft launched an MK 54 exercise torpedo over the Atlantic Test Range to verify safe separation and integration.
Sources: P-8A successfully launches first MK 54 weapon test
Mod 1 Increment 1 fielded before completed IOT&E
DOT&E reported that the Navy fielded MK 54 Mod 1 Increment 1 in December 2021 before completing initial operational test and evaluation.
Sources: DOT&E FY2022 Mk 54 and HAAWC
HAAWC enters full-rate production
DOT&E and Boeing sources place HAAWC full-rate production in August 2022, adding a P-8A Air Launch Accessory glide-kit path for MK 54 release from higher altitudes.
Sources: DOT&E FY2022 Mk 54 and HAAWC, Boeing HAAWC IOC News Release
Boeing announces HAAWC IOC
Boeing said the Navy declared initial operational capability for HAAWC after full-rate production award activity, squadron training, and receipt of low-rate initial-production units.
Sources: Boeing HAAWC IOC News Release
Mod 1 Increment 1 full-rate production
DOT&E reported that MK 54 Mod 1 Increment 1 entered full-rate production in April 2023.
Sources: DOT&E FY2023 Mk 54
Canadian Halifax-class first-of-class firings
The Royal Canadian Navy reported that HMCS Regina conducted first-of-class Mark 54 lightweight-torpedo firings during live-fire trials off Vancouver Island as part of Canada's Lightweight Torpedo Upgrade project.
Sources: HMCS Regina Conducts First-of-Class Mk 54 Torpedo Firings
Media
MK 54 lightweight torpedo Images
Related Weapon Systems
Sources
MK 54 - Lightweight TorpedoPublisher: United States Navy | Note: Supports MK 54 identity, lineage from MK 46 and MK 50 programs, IOC dates, contractor context, specifications, and the MK 54 VLA system IOC. | Accessed: 2026-07-13MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo | RaytheonPublisher: RTX | Note: Supports Raytheon product background, ship/aircraft/helicopter ASW role, shallow-water and countermeasure context, and MK 46/MK 50 lineage. | Accessed: 2026-07-13DOT&E FY2023 Mk 54Publisher: Director, Operational Test and Evaluation | Note: Supports MK 54 Mod 1 Increment 1/2 and Mod 2 modernization context, surface-ship/aircraft/helicopter employment, VLA/HAAWC integration caveats, Mod 1 full-rate production, and Mod 2 development status. | Accessed: 2026-07-13DOT&E FY2022 Mk 54 and HAAWCPublisher: Director, Operational Test and Evaluation | Note: Supports Mod 1 Increment 1 fielding before completed IOT&E, HAAWC OFP 3.5 testing, HAAWC full-rate production, the Air Launch Accessory description, and P-8A high-altitude release context. | Accessed: 2026-07-13DOT&E FY2020 Mk 54 and HAAWCPublisher: Director, Operational Test and Evaluation | Note: Supports Mod 0 Block Upgrade and public VLA-support caveats for Mod 0 and Mod 0 Block Upgrade. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Boeing HAAWC IOC News ReleasePublisher: Boeing | Note: Supports HAAWC initial operational capability, P-8A release from near or below cruising altitude, Air Launch Accessory attachment to MK 54, and fielding/production context. | Accessed: 2026-07-13P-8A successfully launches first MK 54 weapon testPublisher: Naval Air Systems Command | Note: Supports the October 13, 2011 P-8A MK 54 exercise-torpedo release test, safe-separation purpose, and P-8A integration context. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Northrop Grumman Advanced Lightweight TorpedoPublisher: Northrop Grumman | Note: Supports MK54 MOD 2 production and qualification contract context, custom warhead, cooperative development with the Australian Defence Force, and surface-ship/fixed-wing/helicopter launch framing. | Accessed: 2026-07-13HSM-77 MK-54 torpedo training exercisePublisher: DVIDS | Note: Supports MH-60R mounting context and public-domain imagery metadata for an inert MK 54 training torpedo during an HSM-77 exercise in Japan. | Accessed: 2026-07-13HMCS Regina Conducts First-of-Class Mk 54 Torpedo FiringsPublisher: Royal Canadian Navy | Note: Supports Canadian first-of-class Mark 54 lightweight-torpedo firings from HMCS Regina in February 2026 and Halifax-class modernization context. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Saudi Arabia MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight TorpedoesPublisher: Defense Security Cooperation Agency | Note: Supports January 2025 proposed Foreign Military Sale context for 20 MK 54 MOD 0 all-up rounds and support items to Saudi Arabia. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Norway MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight TorpedoesPublisher: Defense Security Cooperation Agency | Note: Supports September 2025 proposed Foreign Military Sale context for up to 50 MK 54 MOD 0 all-up rounds to Norway and notes Norway already has MK 54 MOD 0 in inventory. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket ASROC (VLA) MissilePublisher: United States Navy | Note: Supports the VL-ASROC relationship by identifying MK 54 as a VLA payload delivered to a water-entry point near a submarine target. | Accessed: 2026-07-13USS Roosevelt launches Mk 54 torpedo in April 2014.JPGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and public-domain licensing for the primary MK 54 launch photo. | Accessed: 2026-07-13Mk 54 torpedo is recovered by USS Roosevelt in April 2014.JPGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and public-domain licensing for the recovery gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-07-13