US, UK Navies Fire Mk 48 Torpedo From Uncrewed Sub
The U.S. Navy and Royal Navy launched a Mk 48 torpedo from the uncrewed submarine XV Excalibur on September 13 at Scotland's underwater test center.
The U.S. Navy and Royal Navy jointly launched a U.S. Mk 48 heavyweight torpedo from the Royal Navy's uncrewed submarine XV Excalibur on September 13. The trial took place at the British Underwater Test & Evaluation Center in Scotland.
Because XV Excalibur, the Royal Navy's Extra-Large Uncrewed Underwater Vessel, lacks internal torpedo tubes, the torpedo was attached externally using a specialized cradle. The Mk 48 weighs 3,700 pounds (1,680 kg).
The launch fell under AUKUS Pillar 2, the partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The work is part of Project Broadsword, which received approval in February 2026 from the Department of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office and moved from approval to trials in seven months.
The U.S. Navy said it will continue with Project CUTLASS using the Anduril Dive-XL platform, according to tomshardware.com.
Quick answers
What torpedo was launched from XV Excalibur?
A U.S. Mk 48 heavyweight torpedo, weighing 3,700 pounds (1,680 kg).
When and where did the trial take place?
On September 13 at the British Underwater Test & Evaluation Center in Scotland.
What is Project Broadsword?
A project approved in February 2026 by the Department of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office that went from approval to trials in seven months.