**Overview of Germany’s Anti Torpedo Torpedo Procurement**
On **October 31, 2023**, it was reported that the German military plans to begin the procurement process for a new “Anti Torpedo Torpedo” in **2026**. This information emerged from a budget planning document published by **Politico Europe**.
**Funding and Parliamentary Approval**
The German defense officials aim to allocate **€70 million** (approximately **$83 million**) for the development of this system, which is marketed by **ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems** (TKMS) as a kinetic interceptor designed to protect naval vessels from incoming torpedoes. The parliamentary budget committee is expected to review this procurement during its session on **May 6, 2026**, with a written proposal to be submitted to lawmakers two weeks prior to that date.
**Technology and Development**
**Atlas Elektronik**, a subsidiary of TKMS, has been promoting its **SeaSpider** anti-torpedo system as the world’s first market-ready kinetic interceptor. This technology is considered essential for neutralizing increasingly sophisticated torpedo seekers, moving away from traditional defense strategies that typically focus on deceiving torpedo sensors.
Development of the SeaSpider has been ongoing for almost 20 years as a collaborative project between Atlas and the Dutch research organization **TNO**. Current funding for this project comes through the European Union’s **PESCO** (Permanent Structured Cooperation) framework, aimed at enhancing defense collaboration across Europe.
**Specifications and Current Orders**
The SeaSpider is designed to autonomously identify and engage incoming torpedoes, utilizing onboard sensors and solid-fuel rocket propulsion to achieve its objectives. Despite significant advancements, no country has placed an official order for the SeaSpider as of now; however, the **Netherlands** has expressed intentions to procure the weapon.
The Dutch Navy plans to install the SeaSpider on its anti-submarine warfare frigate, while the German Navy intends to equip its new **F127 frigate** with the system. The F127, aimed at air defense, is projected to see procurement developments aligned with timelines for the SeaSpider, with a decision expected in **June 2026** and estimated procurement costs around **€26 billion** (approximately **$30.7 billion**).
**Author’s Background**
The report was penned by **Linus Höller**, a defense correspondent for **Defense News**, who specializes in arms deals, sanctions, and geopolitics affecting Europe. Höller is proficient in four languages: English, German, Russian, and Spanish, and holds multiple master’s degrees in relevant fields such as WMD nonproliferation and international relations.
