US Navy Receives 2,000th Tomahawk Block IV Missile

The US Navy has received its 2,000th Tomahawk block IV cruise missile from Raytheon.

US Navy Tomahawk weapon system programme manager Captain Dave Davison said Tomahawk block IV provided the navy with a combat-proven weapon that plays a critical role in hybrid warfare operations.

Tomahawk block IV incorporates a two-way satellite datalink that allows a strike controller to flex the missile to pre-programmed alternate targets or redirect it to a new target.

Technologies featured in the missile reduce acquisition, operation and support costs while providing a targeting flexibility, which includes the capability to loiter over the battlefield and await a more critical target.

Raytheon Air Warfare Systems vice-president Harry Schulte said the Tomahawk programme continued to provide the navy with the capability to project precision firepower across the breadth and depth of the battlespace while delivering unprecedented flexibility to the commander.