“Unleashing the Future: Tomahawk Missile’s Revolutionary Transformation”
The Tomahawk cruise missile has consistently served as the U.S. military’s premier precision weapon for extensive engagements.
This missile is deployed from both surface vessels and submarines. It possesses the capability to penetrate heavily defended airspace from distances of up to 1,000 miles. It strategically strikes high-value targets while maintaining minimal collateral damage.
Furthermore, its advancements continue without pause.
The U.S. Navy is in the process of recertifying and enhancing the Tomahawk missile, prolonging its operational lifespan by 15 years, and introducing a new iteration called Block V. Raytheon Missiles & Defense is slated to commence production of the new Block V missiles later in 2021 while having already supplied the Navy with the first upgraded Block IV systems.
“This inaugural delivery represents the culmination of years of collaboration between the Navy and Raytheon, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the program,” stated Kim Ernzen, vice president of Naval Power at Raytheon Missiles & Defense, part of Raytheon Technologies. “These enhancements will sustain the strategic benefits the Tomahawk offers to the fleet for years to come.”
The sophisticated Block IV variant is augmented with enhanced navigation and communication systems. A multimode seeker is under development, enabling the Tomahawk to target moving entities at sea.
“Range and accuracy are critical when addressing mobile threats at sea,” Ernzen remarked. “These innovations elevate an already formidable weapon to an unprecedented standard.”
Raytheon Missiles & Defense is also broadening Tomahawk’s long-range land-attack prowess with a programmable warhead that can engage a wider array of land targets.
The Navy successfully completed Block V flight tests in December 2020. All Block IV missiles will undergo recertification, modernization, and transition to Block V status.
“Modernization guarantees Tomahawk’s significance both now and in the future,” Ernzen noted. “This recent delivery signifies another significant progress in the Tomahawk program.”
