Free Republic

Taiwan is planning to purchase torpedoes and heavy tanks from the United States in an attempt to further fortify its defense capabilities against China. The Liberty Times reported that Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou ordered the country's defense ministry to draft a draw up a shopping list of weapons that include MK-54 torpedoes, dozens of M1A2 tanks and amphibious landing vehicles. If acquired, the Taipei daily reported, the torpedoes will be used to replace Taiwan's aging MK-46s. The decision comes despite an easing of tense relations between China and Taiwan in recent years. The move also follows a decision by the...

A wing kit that adds satellite guidance to torpedoes dropped from aircraft is among the latest technologies that Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems is marketing to international customers. Raytheon's Fish Hawk wing kit - which the company is showing off this week at the Singapore Airshow - is designed to fit on Raytheon's MK-54 lightweight torpedo, which is dropped from anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The kit guides the torpedo to a target area with a GPS satellite and inertial navigation system and targeting information from an aircraft controller. Once the system descends to a specific location at lower altitude and speed, the...