OVERVIEW: The A.184 Mod 3 is an Italian submarine-launched, heavyweight, wire-guided torpedo introduced in 1996. It was a final modernization of the A.184 family, enhancing acoustic performance, electronics, and reliability for dual-role anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

DETAILS: The designation “A.184 Mod 3” denotes the third and last confirmed upgrade of the original A.184 series, developed to extend the system's service life pending the introduction of the Black Shark. It retained the 533 mm diameter, electric propulsion system, and silver-zinc battery but incorporated a new digital guidance and control system, improved acoustic seeker performance, and enhanced wire-guidance stability. It was fully compatible with existing launch systems on Italian submarines and was capable of operating in complex acoustic environments. Mod 3 was a stopgap solution, fielded to bridge capability until the deployment of the more advanced Black Shark torpedo.

TYPE: Heavyweight wire-guided acoustic torpedo

FUNCTION: After submarine launch, the A.184 Mod 3 receives mid-course directional updates via wire, allowing dynamic targeting adjustments. It switches to digital active or passive acoustic homing in the final attack phase to engage either submarines or surface vessels with a high-explosive contact-fuzed warhead.

NOTE:
IOC: 1980 (A.184), 1996 (A.184 Mod 3)
Operators: Italy
Platforms: Sauro-class submarines (later batches, upgraded)
Conflict used in: No confirmed combat use
Manufacturer: Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS), Italy

SOURCE:
Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems ; Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon 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 ; Leonardo (WASS) Product History