US Navy prepares next steps of in-service missile modernisation
The Tomahawk cruise missile a cornerstone of US and allied naval capabilities. (Photo: US Navy)
In order to better prepare its inventory for tomorrow’s warfare, the US Navy (USN) has been outlining the next phases of the Tomahawk and JSOW modernisation as well as the Harpoon Weapon System (HWS) Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP). RTX Raytheon supports the three efforts.
As part of the Tomahawk upgrade, on 16 June, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) published a presolicitation notice for the procurement and delivery of maritime seeker suite technologies and processing capabilities for the Tactical Tomahawk All-Up-Round (TACTOM AUR) missile system.
The branch intends to award the two-year contract in Q2 FY2026. The agreement will
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
-
Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market
Diminishing submarine competitions worldwide are leaving fewer acquisition opportunities, pushing contractors toward alternatives.
-
Melting ice is rewriting Arctic naval requirements
As the High North opens to shipping, navies face rising demand for icebreakers, ASW vessels, uncrewed systems and surveillance assets far beyond the submarine fleet.
-
Future frigate programme highlights broader RNZN replacement challenge
New Zealand’s evaluation of the Mogami and Arrowhead 140 frigate designs reflects a wider push for alliance interoperability, and points to a larger recapitalisation of the Royal New Zealand Navy fleet beyond the current programme.