The Mk-48 torpedo sinks ships primarily by detonating a 650-pound high-explosive warhead directly underneath the keel rather than hitting the side

This creates a massive gas bubble that lifts the ship, breaks its back, and causes catastrophic structural failure. The resulting damage floods the vessel, causing it to sink rapidly.

This is what our Mk-48 torpedoes do.

The Mk-48 torpedo sinks ships primarily by detonating a 650-pound high-explosive warhead directly underneath the keel rather than hitting the side. This creates a massive gas bubble that lifts the ship, breaks its back, and causes… pic.twitter.com/GHVrfwXE7x

— Christopher Wipper (@SGTWipper1Each)March 4, 2026