OVERVIEW: The APR-3M is a Russian lightweight, high-speed, air- and helicopter-launched acoustic torpedo introduced in 2017. It is designed to engage deep-diving and fast-moving submarines using active sonar and high terminal velocity.

DETAILS: The APR-3M is the modernized version of the Soviet-era APR-3 “Etorp,” incorporating upgraded electronics, improved acoustic seeker, enhanced reliability, and new avionics interfaces for integration with modern Russian aircraft. It retains the 350 mm diameter and features a rocket-boosted water-entry followed by high-speed spiral search in the terminal phase. The torpedo is capable of attacking submarines at depths up to 800 meters and speeds up to 43 knots. It is deployable from both fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft and ASW helicopters, replacing the older APR-2 and supplementing other Russian ASW systems.

TYPE: Lightweight high-speed air-launched acoustic torpedo

FUNCTION: After air-drop, the APR-3M enters the water at high velocity, decelerates, and activates its onboard sonar to acquire submerged targets. It then initiates a high-speed terminal sprint with spiral search pattern to intercept and destroy deep or fast enemy submarines.

NOTE:
IOC: 1984 (APR-3), 2017 (APR-3M)
Operators: Russia
Platforms: Il-38N, Tu-142MZ maritime patrol aircraft; Ka-27M ASW helicopter
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat use
Manufacturer: Region State Research and Production Enterprise (part of Tactical Missiles Corporation), Russia

SOURCE:
Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems ; Tactical Missiles Corporation: https://ktrv.ru ; 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