Raytheon demonstrates Tomahawk re-targeting
The Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile has successfully demonstrated new capabilities in a test conducted by the US Navy and Raytheon, the company announced on 5 October.
The tests were undertaken to demonstrate that the missile’s strike controllers, located at multiple fleet headquarters, can control and redirect multiple missiles simultaneously.
During the test, the missile took a reconnaissance photo and followed orders to re-target in mid-flight. It was launched from a guided missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101). The missile used its onboard camera to capture battle damage indication imagery and transmitted the image to fleet headquarters through its two-way UHF SATCOM datalink. The missile then entered a loiter pattern to await further instructions.
The missile was retargeted with a new aim point on the navy’s range at San Nicolas Island, off the coast of southern California, by the strike controllers at the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. The missile performed a vertical dive and struck the designated target.
To reduce testing costs, only one missile was put through a live launch demonstration; the rest were flown via computer simulation through various missions directed by forward deployed strike controllers.
Dave Adams, senior program director, Raytheon Tomahawk, said ‘We have once again proven the flexibility and utility of the Tomahawk Block IV missile, which has an unprecedented record of reliability and combat success.
‘Tomahawk continues to be the weapon of choice for combatant commanders requiring very long range, precision strike, with the flexibility to loiter and re-direct after launch. No other weapon has this capability.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?]()
Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?
New interceptors and launchers could help navies preserve missile stocks during prolonged escort operations. Yet lower engagement costs will only improve merchant protection if the weapons are available where ships need defending.
-
![Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes]()
Euronaval 2026: Red Cat’s Blue Ops follows USV demand from Asia to the Andes
With its B-26 USV in full-rate production, Blue Ops is seeking to turn overseas interest into orders through a combination of lower operating costs, UAV integration and local manufacturing.
-
![Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push]()
Euronaval 2026: ‘I want to sell 31 Type 31s by 2031’ - CGO maps Babcock’s global push
Chief growth officer Sir Nick Hine tells Shephard how Babcock is lining up New Zealand, Chile, Denmark and the US for its Arrowhead 140 frigate, speaks on the hybrid navy offer and talks AUKUS.
-
![From Chokepoints to the Deep: ASELSAN’s Naval Vision at EURONAVAL]()
From Chokepoints to the Deep: ASELSAN’s Naval Vision at EURONAVAL
From deployable ship defence to autonomous sea and underwater vehicles, ASELSAN is preparing for a new era of naval security.
-
![Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift]()
Euronaval 2026: by the power of six, Fincantieri’s MMMV reflects modular naval shift
The 50m, six-person ship from the Italian shipbuilder carries swappable, containerised payloads instead of a fixed mission, reflecting a shift that is becoming increasingly evident.
