First Launch of Mk 48 Heavy Torpedo from Unmanned Underwater

The US and UK navies conducted historic tests, launching a Mk 48 heavy torpedo from the XV Excalibur unmanned underwater vehicle. The tests took place at a Scottish range and proved the feasibility of using this new type of weapon.

The Mk 48 torpedo weighs about 1.7 tons and is designed to destroy deep-submergence submarines and large surface ships. Previously, its launch was possible only from full-sized submarines, requiring the participation of 100 to 140 sailors.

Now the weapon is launched remotely from an unmanned system. The British super-large underwater drone Excalibur can operate autonomously or be controlled remotely. In 2025, control of the device was carried out from Australia, located 16,000 kilometers away from the submarine.

The Broadside project demonstrated weapon interchangeability in just seven months of development. This event became part of preparations for robotic warfare, including underwater operations.

Previously, the US Navy had already launched missiles from an unmanned sailing drone, indicating active development of uncrewed platform technologies.