OVERVIEW: The Orka Lightweight Torpedo (LWT) is a Turkish-developed lightweight, ship/air-launched anti-submarine weapon introduced in 2020. It uses electric pump-jet propulsion and active/passive sonar guidance with counter-countermeasure capabilities.

DETAILS: “Orka” is a NATO-standard 324 mm (12.75‑in) LWT entirely indigenous to Turkey, originating from the Murene/A‑290 lineage and developed by Roketsan with Aselsan. It measures approximately 2.85 m in length, weighs ~220–304 kg, and carries a shaped-charge insensitive high-explosive warhead of about 33–45 kg. Propulsion is via a brushless DC motor and pump-jet powered by high-energy lithium batteries, enabling speeds over 45 kn and a 15 km range (extended range up to 50 km when air-launched). Guidance is autonomous internal active/passive sonar with resistance to acoustic countermeasures. Announced in December 2020, development continues with expected IOC by mid‑2020s .

TYPE: Lightweight ship/air‑launched active/passive acoustic homing torpedo

FUNCTION: Launched via push-out from surface vessels, helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft, or UAVs, the Orka enters water and initiates a self-guided active/passive sonar search. Upon detecting a submarine, it maneuvers autonomously to intercept at high speed and detonates via impact fuse.

NOTE:
IOC: Development launched December 2020; IOC expected mid‑2020s
Manufacturer: Roketsan (prime) with Aselsan (subcontractor), Turkey
Operators: Turkish Navy (in development)
Platforms: Surface combatants (324 mm launchers), helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft, armed UAVs

SOURCE: Roketsan – Orka Next‑Generation Lightweight Torpedo; FW‑MAG “New tendencies in lightweight torpedoes”; Naval Technology “Turkey launches development …324 mm Lightweight Torpedo”; Defense Turkey Magazine IDEF2021 report; SavunmaSanayiST “ORKA Hafif Torpido Projesi”