OVERVIEW: The A.244 is an Italian lightweight, air- and ship-launched acoustic torpedo introduced in 1976. It was developed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in littoral and open-ocean environments using passive and active homing.

DETAILS: The designation “A.244” refers to a 324 mm diameter lightweight torpedo developed by Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS) for NATO-standard ASW platforms. It was designed for deployment from surface ships and ASW helicopters, equipped with an electric propulsion system powered by silver-zinc batteries. The torpedo featured dual-mode acoustic homing (active/passive) and a contact fuze warhead, optimized for targeting diesel-electric submarines. The original A.244 served as the basis for later upgrades, including the A.244S series with improved range, counter-countermeasure capabilities, and seeker performance.

TYPE: Lightweight acoustic-homing torpedo

FUNCTION: Once launched, the A.244 proceeds toward the designated target area and activates its acoustic seeker to detect, track, and engage submerged enemy submarines. It uses active sonar pings or passive listening to lock onto the target before detonating on contact.

NOTE:
IOC: 1976
Operators: Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, Greece, Thailand, others
Platforms: AB-212ASW helicopters, warships with 324 mm triple torpedo launchers (e.g., Maestrale-class, Type 21 frigates)
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat use
Manufacturer: Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS), Italy

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