UK accesses FMS programme with Tomahawk request
Tomahawk launched from a UK RN submarine. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
Will the UK emulate US efforts to upgrade its Tomahawk cruise missiles to Block Va and Block Vb configuration?
The UK is requesting $368.53 million worth of follow-on support services and related equipment for its Tomahawk naval cruise missile via the FMS programme, the US State Department announced on 29 March.
Raytheon would be the prime contractor on the deal if it is approved by Congress.
The UK RN would receive support for all elements of the Tomahawk Weapon System: the All Up Round (AUR), the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System (TTWCS) and the Theater Mission Planning Center (TMPC).
The UK currently operates the Block IV long-range precision strike variant of Tomahawk but its new FMS request may reflect a desire to align with US recertification efforts to Block Va (which includes a multimode seeker) and Block Vb (which includes an improved warhead to penetrate hard and deeply buried targets).
Tomahawk capability is currently confined to RN submarines but the Daring-class Type 45 destroyers could (in theory) be retrofitted with a Sylver A70 Vertical Launching System that can fire the cruise missile.
Likewise, the City-class Type 26 and Inspiration-class Type 31 frigates will have VLS tubes long enough to launch Tomahawk.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers
Contracts for new light and medium cutters are expected to be awarded in mid-2026.
-
![Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening]()
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.
-
![First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026]()
First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026
Canadian Coast Guard Ship Arpatuuq construction is in the block manufacturing phase. Once built, it will be the largest vessel in the Coast Guard’s inventory.
-
![US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship]()
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
