OVERVIEW: The SET-53ME is an electrically propelled, heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Soviet Union for export. It is based on the original SET-53 series and is designed for submarine-launched ASW operations using acoustic homing.

DETAILS: "SET" stands for "Samonavodyashchayasya Elektrotorpeda" (self-guided electric torpedo), and "53" refers to the 533 mm diameter. The SET-53ME is a modernized export derivative of the original SET-53 (1955), featuring enhancements in range, depth capability, and seeker reliability. It utilizes passive or active/passive acoustic homing and an electric motor powered by a silver-zinc battery. The torpedo was part of the Soviet Union’s export strategy in the 1960s, allowing allied submarine fleets to engage underwater targets effectively.

As an export model, the SET-53ME included simplified maintenance features and tunable parameters to match foreign submarine fire control systems. It was also offered under the NATO designation ET-80A[60] and was primarily sold to Warsaw Pact and allied navies.

TYPE: Heavyweight Anti-Submarine Guided Torpedo

FUNCTION: Launched from a 533 mm submarine torpedo tube, the SET-53ME activates its onboard acoustic seeker to search for enemy submarines. It tracks targets using either passive detection or a combination of active and passive sonar modes, optimized for Cold War-era submarine threats.

NOTE:
IOC: 1955 (SET-53), 1965 (SET-53ME)
Manufacturer: Soviet Union (Gidropribor, Russia)
Operators: Egypt, India, Vietnam, Syria, Cuba
Platforms: Romeo-class submarine, Foxtrot-class submarine

SOURCE:
Jane’s Naval Weapon Systems ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/index.html ; Military-Today: https://www.military-today.com/navy/set_53.htm ; GlobalSecurity.org: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/set-53.htm ; Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SET-53_torpedo