Reading's Cohort plc to supply Torpedo Launcher System to Philippine Navy

Published by

Stephen Emerson

Reading-based Cohort plc, through its subsidiary SEA, has won an order from the Philippine Navy to supply its Torpedo Launcher System (TLS).

SEA will supply its TLS to to Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) who will then install the equipment on two new Philippine Navy corvettes.

The contract follows the successful delivery of SEA's TLS for the Philippine Navy's frigates.

Part of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP), the multi-million-pound contract will see the first corvette delivered in 2023 and the second in 2025.

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Andy Thomis, Cohort Chief Executive commented, "This contract is the positive result of collaboration with in-country partners, the British Embassy, HHI, and the Philippine Navy, and signifies the increasing global appeal of weapon agnostic defence capabilities that deliver greater operational flexibility. Together with other recent wins across the Group, this contract will enhance the visibility of future Group revenue."

SEA's TLS is a weapon-agnostic, close range and rapid-reaction system capable of firing a variety of NATO-compatible standard light weight torpedoes, including the US Mk44, Mk46 and Mk54 torpedoes, UK Sting Ray, Italian A244S, French MU90 and the Korean Blue Shark.

Highly flexible due to its unique modular design, the system can also be configured to use other weapons on an individual basis. This will enable the Philippine Navy to retain control of its supply chain through a choice of suppliers for ammunition, delivering greater flexibility and long-term value.

The state-of-the-art modular design of the TLS also enables easier and cost-effective upgrades throughout its service life and significantly reduces the risk of capability obsolescence based on ammunition supply.

David Hinds, Vice President Strategic Accounts at SEA, said: "The inherent flexibility of our TLS will provide the Philippine Navies with a capability that helps future-proof the corvettes against new weapon developments and obsolescence, whilst also ensuring commonality across the fleet. We look forward to working with our partners across Southeast Asia and further strengthening our relationship with HHI and the Philippine Navy."

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.