The European torpedo manufacturer EuroTorp is looking to expand into the Southeast Asian market, where it sees demand for its MU90 Light-Weight Torpedo (LWT). The company is participating at the ADAS 2024 defence exhibition in Manila for the first time.

Speaking to FW MAG, Nathan Hadjadj, Sales and Marketing Manager, EuroTorp said the MU90 LWT was being displayed in the Philippines as the company feels that there exists a market for it due to the evolving underwater threat in the region. “We want to enter the market in Sout East Asia and also cater for future Philippine needs,” he said. "It could be integrated on Philippine Navy AW-159 ‘Wildcat’ helicopters, should the need arise," he added.

On display at the show is a full-size dummy version of the torpedo, configured for use from maritime helicopters. Hadjadj also confirmed that EuroTorp, is working a newer version of the MU90, which is under development and now in the final stages of qualification and trials. The lightweight torpedo is considered as the most cost and operationally effective antisubmarine warfare weapon by navies worldwide.

EuroTorp presently does not have a customer in the region, though the MU90 has been in service with Australia since 2013. EuroTorp has sold the MU90 to 13 countries, though the last one remains undisclosed.

The MU90 can be fired from surface vessels, fixed and rotary wing aircraft and missiles. It has undergone more than 350 sea trials, including live firings in the North and South hemispheres. In March 2023, the LWT Programme was integrated into the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), the European joint procurement organisation. EuroTorp is a French-Italian consortium, comprising Naval Group, Thales and Leonardo.

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