Raytheon adds moving-target capability to Tomahawk
An advanced Electronic Support Measure (ESM) seeker for the Block IV Tomahawk missile has completed a successful field trial, as part of Raytheon’s programme to improve the missile’s technical and operational capabilities.
The ESM seeker incorporates an advanced processor and antenna to locate and track moving and fixed emitting targets. The seeker’s capability was validated in a realistic high-density environment after seven months of testing in anechoic chambers.
Roy Donelson, Tomahawk program director, Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘This new moving target capability would enhance Tomahawk’s already exceptional land attack mode capability by allowing it to engage moving targets on land. We believe this evolution would align with DOD’s vision of increasing capability while maintaining development costs.’
The Tomahawk missile is designed to fly into heavily defended airspace and precisely strike high-value targets with minimal collateral damage.
Enhancements included in the Tomahawk Block IV missile include a two-way satellite data-link that enables a strike controller to redirect the missile in-flight to pre-programmed alternate targets or more critical targets. Adding a new multi-mode seeker technology would allow the navy’s Surface Action Group to fire Tomahawks from sanctuary and defeat mobile threats at long range.
‘Raytheon is providing the US Navy with a missile that can evolve its capability. Tomahawk is an open architecture ‘truck’ capable of integrating payloads and sensors that have high technology readiness levels,’ Donelson added.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog]()
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare]()
Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare
Australia’s new defence innovation strategy indicates a shift from platform-centric to network-centric undersea warfare, with Ocius and Anduril Industries pointing to fast-growing opportunities for local industry.
-
![Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs]()
Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs
Asian customers have placed one of the largest known international purchases of US-built uncrewed surface vessels, highlighting accelerating regional demand for autonomous maritime capabilities and distributed naval operations.
-
![RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV]()
RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV
RTX told Shephard that the Hadalus UUV has been procured by the US Marine Corps and the Office of Naval Research for operational experimentation as the company prepares additional demonstrations with the US Navy, NATO and AUKUS partners.
