WIREDGOV

Latest cruise missile ready for action

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE News Release (062/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 4 April 2008

The latest version of the Royal Navy's Tomahawk land attack missile (TLAM) has been declared operational - three months earlier than planned.

Used to arm submarines, the new Tomahawk Block IV missile is considerably more capable than its predecessors. It has a significantly reduced response time and can fly further, striking land targets from the sea up to one thousand miles away with even greater precision. They are able to re-target or safely abort in flight and can relay images en route. The missile was first successfully test fired from a Royal Navy submarine last June.

Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment & Support, said

"These missiles extend the Royal Navy's world class capability to deliver long range precision attacks covertly from submarines. This is a real boost to the Navy's firepower, and it is a testament to the hard work of MoD and industry that we are able to bring this into service early and within budget."

The Tomahawk missiles can be carried by Trafalgar Class attack submarines and will be deployed in the new Astute Class when they enter service. HMS Torbay is the first submarine to be operationally equipped with them.

Notes to Editors

1. The MoD purchased 64 of the TLAM Block IV missiles from the United States in a £70M deal signed four years ago. In addition, £25M has been spent to provide the submarine and ashore command and control systems necessary to exploit its new capabilities.

2. TLAM is built in the US by Raytheon. Its plant at Glenrothes, Fife, manufactures some of the electronics. In addition, part of the upgrade work to enable the submarine fleet to carry the updated missiles has been carried out by BAE Systems and Ultra Electronics in the UK.