OVERVIEW: The 53-65K is a Soviet submarine-launched, wake-homing heavyweight torpedo introduced in 1972. It was developed for widespread use against surface ships, employing passive wake-homing guidance for stern-area targeting.

DETAILS: The designation “53-65K” indicates a 53 cm diameter torpedo of the 53-65 family, with “K” identifying a standardized and improved production variant for general service. Unlike the limited-service 53-65 WH and the Alfa-specific 53-65A, the 53-65K was widely deployed across multiple Soviet submarine classes. It used a kerosene-oxidizer wet-heater propulsion system, offering medium-range and high-speed performance, and carried a large high-explosive warhead. The torpedo was equipped with a passive wake-homing seeker, capable of locking onto the turbulence trail of a moving ship after an initial straight-run segment.

TYPE: Heavyweight wake-homing torpedo

FUNCTION: The 53-65K is launched from a submerged submarine and travels a preset distance before activating its wake-homing sensor to detect the target’s wake. It follows the wake to the ship’s stern, detonating on contact for maximum damage.

NOTE:
IOC: 1965 (53-65 base), 1972 (53-65K)
Operators: Soviet Union, India, Algeria, Syria, Vietnam
Platforms: Project 641 (Foxtrot-class), Project 671 (Victor-class), Project 877 (Kilo-class), Rajput-class (Indian modification with submarine capability)
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat use

SOURCE:
Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/index.html ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; Russian Naval Ordnance Handbooks ; Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems