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On March 28, Sweden successfully tested the launch of the lightweight electric Torpedo 47 (Tp 47) from a smaller boat. This marks a step forward in quickly adopting revolutionary lessons from Ukraine's naval warfare for Baltic Sea defense.
The torpedo was launched from a 15-meter (52-foot) Swedish-made assault vessel, the Combat Boat 90 (CB90). This test was a collaboration between the Swedish Armed Forces and the defense contractor Saab, aimed at determining whether such weapon systems could effectively be deployed from smaller vessels, as opposed to traditional naval ships.
Torpedo 47, which entered service with the Swedish Royal Navy in 2023, represents a new generation of torpedoes designed specifically for complex operational environments in the Baltic Sea, replacing its predecessor, the Tp 45.
According to the representative of the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (Försvarets Materielverk, FMV), this test was part of broader cooperative initiatives under the "Amphibious Battalion 2030" and "New Lightweight Torpedo" projects. The objective was to assess the feasibility of installing Torpedo 47 on smaller platforms than originally intended.
FMV also confirmed that Saab separately demonstrated the torpedo system aboard unmanned surface vessels, suggesting potential flexibility for deploying weapon systems on autonomous or modular platforms without human crew.
The Torpedo 47 can reach speeds of at least 35 knots (approximately 68 km/h) and has a range of at least 20 kilometers. Its propulsion system features a DC motor combined with a waterjet, powered by a rechargeable lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) battery capable of over one hundred charge cycles. The torpedo’s control system employs a digital MS4 target seeker, operating in both active and passive modes, and utilizes two-way copper-wire-based communication with the launch platform.
Building upon decades of Swedish expertise in torpedo development, the Torpedo 47 is already operational on Swedish corvettes and submarines and has been integrated into Finland’s naval forces aboard Hamina-class missile boats, with plans for deployment on the upcoming Pohjanmaa-class corvettes as well.
According to FMV, the test outcomes also highlight the potential for dual-mode (surface and underwater) combat capabilities, facilitating coordinated actions with other weapons. This could pave the way for new operational tactics in hybrid maritime conflict scenarios, emphasizing enhanced mobility.
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The results of current sea trials in the Baltic are under evaluation by FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces, who will determine the next steps for development and deployment. However, the tests also reflect a broader interest in expanding the potential uses of Torpedo 47 beyond large vessels, signaling a shift in Swedish naval doctrine toward lighter, more adaptable weapon systems, according to Army Recognition.
If the torpedo is launched from a small, possibly unmanned vessel—as the Ukrainians have repeatedly demonstrated—instead of a submarine or warship, the rules of engagement in the Baltic Sea would be fundamentally altered. Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian Navy has endured a humiliating ordeal in the Black Sea, inflicted by Ukraine’s ingenious use of unmanned surface vessels equipped with missiles and torpedoes. Sweden is now exploring ways to replicate that success in the Baltic Sea.
Ukraine's Naval Innovation Inspires Taiwan
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According to Taiwan News, on March 25, Taiwan’s CSBC Corporation unveiled the nation’s first military unmanned surface vehicle (USV) at the Dafa Shipyard in Kaohsiung.
The vessel, named "Endeavor Manta," measures 8.6 meters in length and 3.7 meters in width, with a payload capacity exceeding one tonne and a top speed surpassing 64 km/h. Equipped with multiple remote-control communication capabilities—including 4G, radio frequency, and satellite—the vessel boasts advanced functionalities such as swarm control, autonomous navigation with collision avoidance, AI-based target recognition, and anti-hijacking systems. Its hull is constructed from durable fiber-reinforced plastic.
CSBC Chairman Huang Cheng-hung noted that the company began developing military-grade USVs in early 2024, focusing specifically on two critical design elements: maneuverability and seaworthiness. Huang emphasized that superior maneuverability enables rapid deployment, as the vessel must be easily transportable by various towing vehicles for swift deployment from beaches or ports.
Addressing seaworthiness, Huang highlighted the challenging conditions frequently encountered in the Taiwan Strait, characterized by strong winds and turbulent seas. He stressed that even the most sophisticated onboard systems are futile without robust wave resistance. To tackle this challenge, the Endeavor Manta features an innovative triple-hull structure, substantially enhancing its stability and performance under severe maritime conditions.