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
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.
