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US Navy plans compact Silent Anvil torpedo as China’s submarine fleet surges

As China expands its submarine fleet, the US Navy is looking to develop a compact air-launched torpedo that could enable more crewed and uncrewed aircraft…

By Samantha Johnson / September 10, 2026
As China expands its submarine fleet, the US Navy is looking to develop a compact air-launched torpedo that could enable more crewed and uncrewed aircraft to attack submarines from farther away.

The US Naval Air Systems Command issued a request for information – a step towards development – to industry in late August for the Silent Anvil Air-Launched Torpedo (SAA-LT).

While air-launching a torpedo from stand-off range is not new – the US Navy already has the High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) – the SAA-LT would be much smaller.

HAAWC adds a glide kit to a Mark 54 lightweight torpedo and can be launched by P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from altitudes of up to 30,000 feet (9,140 metres).

According to the request for information, the navy wants the new weapon to weigh up to 268lb (122kg) while measuring up to 70 inches (178cm) long and 7.5 inches (19cm) in diameter – dimensions intended to broaden the range of aircraft that could carry it.

The requirements also envisage that Silent Anvil would be compatible with aircraft carrier storage and handling systems, potentially allowing carrier-based platforms to field the weapon.

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