Upgraded Tomahawk cruise missiles will chase targets

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The Tomahawk cruise missile system is about to be upgraded.

More than 2,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles have been fired at live targets since 1991. This flying warhead has become the weapon of choice for trying to take out command and control targets.

In every case, the missile has been aimed at a fixed, non-moving target. That, however, could change.

According to Defense News, this could change in a few years, Raytheon officials told reporters here at the annual Surface Navy Association symposium. The defense giant is working on a company-funded variant of the missile that would allow it to chase moving targets.

The infrared seeker would be added to existing Tomahawks during a mid-life recertification overhaul.

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The missiles have a service life of 15 years, after which they undergo a recertification overhaul that adds another 15 years, for a total life span of 30 years unless it’s used.

According to Raytheon, the overhaul is “a great opportunity to insert new capabilities. Plans already call for the insertion of upgraded communications systems, a new, multi-effects warhead, and a multi-mode sensor suite.”

The current crop of Block IV Tactical Tomahawks first entered service in 2004, meaning the first missiles will enter recertification in 2019. Raytheon is seeking US Navy funding to continue the research and development effort for the new seeker, which has yet to be officially approved. Raytheon declined to cite specific funding amount, on saying that “some money is needed in 2016, more in 2017 and 2018.”

Raytheon has delivered about 3,250 Block IV Tomahawks to the US and British navies, said Chris Daily, deputy director of the company’s Tomahawk program.