Q&A · 2:25:03-2:26:39

Spearfish production restarted after a long pause

A question about British torpedo engines opens a discussion of the Spearfish production restart, BAE Systems' role, and the specialist industrial supply chain behind the weapon.

Question

Who makes the engines for British torpedoes?

Short answer

Sundstrand is tentatively identified for the engine, while BAE Systems leads the renewed Spearfish production program.

Notes

Britain stopped producing new torpedoes from roughly 2003 until the Spearfish line restarted in 2020. The renewed batch was being built through BAE Systems' underwater business, reflecting a return to heavy-torpedo production after inventories had seemed sufficient for post-Cold War needs. Sundstrand, later absorbed into a larger American industrial group, is tentatively identified as the engine supplier. Maintaining a torpedo capability depends on specialist firms and production knowledge as well as the navy's stockpile.