OVERVIEW: The A.244S Mod 3 is an Italian lightweight, air-, ship-, and submarine-launched acoustic-homing torpedo developed as the latest version of the A.244S series. It provides improved performance in littoral and open-sea environments with enhanced guidance and counter-countermeasure features.

DETAILS: The A.244S Mod 3 is the third major evolution of the A.244 torpedo family, maintaining the 324 mm NATO-standard diameter and electric propulsion system powered by silver-zinc batteries. Mod 3 introduces a fully digital signal processor, new seeker algorithms, improved shallow-water performance, and resistance to advanced acoustic countermeasures. It supports integration on both NATO-standard launchers and air-launched platforms, including helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. The system is optimized to detect, track, and engage modern diesel-electric submarines, particularly in noisy coastal conditions.

TYPE: Lightweight acoustic-homing torpedo

FUNCTION: After launch, the A.244S Mod 3 uses wire or preprogrammed search to enter the designated engagement area, where its dual-mode seeker scans for submerged targets. It tracks submarines using active or passive sonar and detonates upon contact or via proximity fuze near the target.

NOTE:
IOC: 1976 (A.244), 1986 (A.244S), early 2000s (A.244S Mod 3)
Operators: Italy, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Greece, UAE, Morocco, Peru
Platforms: AW101, AB-212ASW, SH-3D helicopters; Maestrale-class, Lupo-class, MEKO 200 frigates; ATR-72 MPA (Italy)
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat use
Manufacturer: Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly WASS), Italy

SOURCE:
Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems ; Leonardo Official Datasheet: https://www.leonardo.com/en/products/a-244-s_mod3_lightweight_torpedo ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/index.html ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems