Raytheon to upgrade Tomahawk missiles to hit moving seaborne targets
NewsSeptember 13, 2017
TUCSON, Ariz. Raytheon has won a $119 million contract to begin integrating a new multimode seeker into the Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile, which will enable the weapon to engage moving maritime targets.
The Tomahawk -- launched from ships or submarines -- can fly into heavily defended airspace as much as 1,000 statute miles from the launch site to conduct precise strikes on high-value targets with minimal collateral damage.
Image: Raytheon.
The Navy is conducting the new seeker development as a Rapid Deployment Capability program to meet fleet requirements for defeating emerging maritime threats around the globe. Raytheon is expected to deliver the new upgraded capability by 2022.
Under a separate Navy contract, Raytheon is already modernizing Tomahawk's radio suite and software. Government recertification on the first Tomahawk Block IVs is set to begin in 2019, which will likely extend Tomahawk's service life for 15 years and enable Raytheon to additionally enhance the missile.
