AKYA vs Mark 54 vs Black Shark: The Heavy Torpedo Comparison
AKYA vs Mark 54 vs Black Shark: The Heavy Torpedo Comparison
The heavy torpedo market is small, secretive and dominated by a handful of Western suppliers. Türkiye’s AKYA enters the same space — a sovereign Turkish 533 mm heavy torpedo for submarine and surface use — and changes the procurement options for navies that have run out of patience with Western export gates.
The Three Options
| Parameter | AKYA | Mark 54 (Lightweight) / Mark 48 (Heavy) | Black Shark Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Türkiye (Roketsan) | U.S. (Raytheon / Lockheed) | Italy (Whitehead / Leonardo) |
| Diameter | 533 mm | 324 mm (Mk 54), 533 mm (Mk 48) | 533 mm |
| Launch platforms | Submarine, surface ship | Surface, air-dropped (Mk 54); submarine (Mk 48) | Submarine, surface |
| Propulsion | Electric, brushless | Otto fuel (Mk 48) | Electric, AgZn battery |
| Range | 50+ km (claimed) | ~38 km (Mk 48) | ~50 km |
| Guidance | Active / passive sonar, wire | Wake-homing, active / passive (Mk 48 ADCAP) | Active / passive, wire |
| Status | Turkish Navy entering service | In service worldwide | Multiple operators |
Why Heavy Torpedoes Are Hard To Buy
Few countries make them. Fewer still export them. The Mark 48 ADCAP is among the most restricted U.S. munitions. Black Shark exports have been politically constrained — Iran’s Type 209 export campaign of the early 2000s collapsed in part over the torpedo question. Russia’s UGST and Futlyar are sanctioned.
This creates a structural problem for any non-aligned navy planning a submarine acquisition: you may get the submarine and discover the torpedo you wanted is not available.
AKYA’s Position
AKYA gives Türkiye and its export partners a sovereign 533 mm option. The Turkish Navy’s planned MİLDEN submarine programme requires it; export submarine deals — including potential follow-ons to MILGEM corvette buyers — will increasingly include AKYA in the package. Roketsan has indicated willingness to discuss technology transfer for selected partners.
Where Western Torpedoes Still Lead
Combat record depth. Mark 48 ADCAP has been the U.S. Navy’s submarine weapon for decades, with cumulative sortie data no new entrant can match. Black Shark has been refined over multiple export programmes and has earned NATO certification. AKYA’s combat history will be measured in years, not decades.
Verdict for Export Buyers
Mark 48 / Mark 54 if you have full U.S. alliance access. Black Shark if you operate Italian or NATO-compatible submarines and can secure the export licence. AKYA as the emerging sovereign-supplied heavy torpedo for navies whose submarine procurement timeline does not align with Western political schedules.
