Raytheon hopes to turn Tomahawk Block IVs into anti-ship missiles when USN recertify them

Some of the Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles in the U.S. Navy’s inventory are reaching the end of their 15-year warranty period. Raytheon hopes to give those missiles new capabilities when the service puts them into a recertification program to extend their life to 30-year.

US Navy 021110-N-0000X-002 A Tactical
By U.S. Navy photo [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

One important upgrade that Raytheon is offering will be an anti-ship strike capability.

Dave Adams, senior program director for cruise missile programs, said there are now discussions with the Navy on the type of seeker required to achieve that.

He added that the likely choice will be a combination of an active and a passive sensor.