Raytheon integrates mid-course and terminal guidance for Maritime Strike Tomahawk
Block V Tomahawk launch from USS Chafee in November 2020. (Photo: USN/Ensign Sean Ianno)
Raytheon obtains Tomahawk Block Va contract modification from NAVAIR.
Raytheon Technologies is to integrate, produce, qualify, test and field Tomahawk Block Va (Maritime Strike Tomahawk - MST) seeker suites and all subsystems required to provide mid-course and terminal guidance, under a $19.59 million contract modification from US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
‘The procured quantity of seeker suites will be installed in recertified Tomahawk missiles for the Navy,’ the DoD announced on 29 October, adding that work is expected to be completed by October 2024.
All Tomahawk Block IVs in USN service are being upgraded to the Block V/Va/Vb configuration with a longer range, dynamic targeting and (in the case of MST) the capability to hit vessels at sea.
In this context, MST was name-checked by ADM Philip Davidson, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) during a Senate Armed Services Committee appearance in March 2021 as one of the crucial weapon systems required for US forces in the region.
The UK RN is also installing the missile on its Type 26 (City-class) frigates and MST is also earmarked for the future Canadian Surface Combatant.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines]()
Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
