The Economic Times

Explained: What is a torpedo as the US sinks Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean

Reports on March 4, 2026, revealed that a U.S. Navy submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena using a torpedo in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka. A torpedo is a powerful underwater missile used in naval warfare to destroy ships and submarines. The weapon is long and cylindrical. It carries a heavy explosive warhead and travels through water using its own engine. Navies launch torpedoes from submarines, warships, or aircraft. The weapon moves silently toward a target. Modern torpedoes use sonar guidance and advanced sensors to track enemy vessels.