Atlas Elektronik Canada (a company of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) announced on 12 April that it has concluded an agreement with Magellan Aerospace for design and development of the SeaSpider anti torpedo torpedo (ATT) system.

The initial C$19 million (€12.6 million) phase of the programme was launched in January and is expected to conclude in 2023. Magellan will lead the design and development of the SeaSpider ATT rocket motor and warhead sections of the torpedo, including design, build, test, and product qualification.

The SeaSpider ATT can be used by surface vessels and submarines for ‘hardkill’ defence against attacking torpedoes. Its capabilities represent a marked improvement over currently available anti-torpedo systems that reply on decoy and jammer countermeasures rather than target destruction, as is the case with SeaSpider. Originally developed by Atlas together with the German Ministry of Defence, the SeaSpider ATT will combine the technologies and decades of experience from Atlas (torpedoes and a wide range of naval systems) and Magellan industry-leading rocket motor technologies). Atlas Canada is positioned to manage and support test and trials activity in Canada for the parent company and will provide final assembly and logistics services during serial production of the SeaSpider ATT.

“The partnership between Atlas and Magellan will bring to market an innovative new torpedo defence system that will be the first of its kind in this growing market,“ commented Magellan’s Vice President, Business Development, Marketing and Contracts, Haydn Martin.

“The SeaSpider ATT is a key element of Atlas Elektronik’s global market strategy and this agreement with Magellan Aerospace signifies our commitment to grow our activities in Canada,” observed Atlas Elektronik GmbH CEO, Michael Ozegowski. “We expect SeaSpider to revolutionise torpedo defence and anti-submarine warfare.”

“With such a significant share of the SeaSpider ATT product and its development in Canada, we are positioned to participate in a new and innovative product and grow our presence with jobs all across Canada while providing the Royal Canadian Navy and the global defence market with essential underwater defence capabilities,” added Atlas Elektronik Canada Managing Director, Rick Gerbrecht. “Magellan Aerospace is the ideal partner for us.”