Raytheon Expands on U.S. Navy’s Next-Generation Torpedo

Why It Matters

The program bolsters the Navy’s anti‑submarine and torpedo‑defense capabilities in the contested Indo‑Pacific, while positioning Raytheon as a key supplier across multiple maritime domains.

Key Takeaways

• Raytheon awarded Increment 2 contract for Mark 58 CRAW torpedo.
• In‑water testing of CRAW forebody slated for end‑2026.
• Navy adds electric and stored‑chemical propulsion to CRAW design.
• CRAW variant will launch from Virginia‑class external countermeasure launchers.
• Raytheon ready to support surface, air and submarine launch options.

Pulse Analysis

The U.S. Navy’s push for a next‑generation submarine weapon reflects growing strategic pressure in the Indo‑Pacific, where advanced quieting and autonomous platforms are reshaping undersea warfare. The Mark 58 Compact Rapid Attack Weapon, known as CRAW, promises a compact, high‑speed torpedo capable of both hunting enemy submarines and neutralizing incoming torpedoes. By integrating modern sensor arrays and a flexible propulsion suite, CRAW aligns with the Navy’s broader shift toward multi‑mission, low‑signature weapons that can be fielded across a range of platforms.

Raytheon’s Increment 2 contract marks a critical transition from university‑led prototyping to full‑scale production. The firm is tasked with proving manufacturability, military hardening, and delivering a testable system by year‑end, including in‑water trials that focus on the torpedo’s forebody, processing, and control arrays. Recent design updates introduce electric propulsion for quieter operation and a stored‑chemical “rocket‑like” boost for rapid sprint, expanding the weapon’s engagement envelope. These enhancements aim to meet the Navy’s revised requirements without delaying Raytheon’s development schedule.

Beyond the submarine launch niche, CRAW’s compact form factor opens pathways to surface‑ship and air‑launched variants, a prospect the Navy is actively exploring through separate funding streams. While projects like the Revolver multi‑pack and Ultra Maritime’s surface launcher remain unfunded, Raytheon’s agnostic stance ensures it can integrate its technology wherever the service decides to invest. Successful deployment could set a new standard for modular torpedo systems, driving competition and innovation among defense contractors while strengthening U.S. undersea dominance.