The guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) launches a Block V Tomahawk during a missile exercise Nov. 30 off the coast of California. Credit: US Navy photo.

Raytheon has delivered the US Navy’s first Block V configured Tomahawk missile, marking a major milestone for the capability modernisation programme.

The latest delivery creates a path to provide the fleet with an ‘upgraded warfighting capability’.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Tomahawk is a long-range, all-weather, subsonic cruise missile in service with the US and the British Royal Navy’s surface ships and submarines.

In a press statement, US Naval Air Systems Command said that these first Block V missiles are from the existing Tomahawk Block IV inventory.

The first Block V missiles have been recertified and modernised for fleet use.

Tomahawk Weapons System programme (PMA-280) programme manager captain Vernon ‘John’ Red said: “This is the next big advancement in Tomahawk capability and a major achievement for the programme.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We’re focused now on delivering advanced capability to the fleet by recertifying and modernising our Block IV inventory, and by contracting production Block V missiles.”

Red said that the programme has continued to upgrade Tomahawk’s capability over the past four decades.

This marked a strategic collaboration between Raytheon, supply chains, field activities as well as the programme office.

The US Navy noted that Raytheon is conducting the mid-life recertification process of the missile at its Arkansas facility.

This process replaces ‘life-limited components’ in Block IV missiles that enables the missiles’ remaining 15 years of service life.

All Block IV missiles are yet to undergo recertification and modernisation.

Block V Tomahawk missiles feature a Navigation/Communications (NAV/COMMs) upgrade which maintains the ‘In-Flight Target Updates and Improved Navigation’ capability.