The Tomahawk ® cruise missile is a precision weapon that launches from ships and submarines and can strike targets precisely from 1,000 miles away, even in heavily defended airspace.

Block IV

The current version, called the Block IV Tactical Tomahawk, or TACTOM, has a data link that allows it to switch targets while in flight. It can loiter for hours and change course instantly on command.

Block V

Beginning in 2020, the U.S. Navy will recertify and modernize the missile, extending its service life by 15 years, and resulting in the new Tomahawk Block V series:

Block V: A modernized TACTOM with upgraded navigation and communication

Block Va: Block V that can strike moving targets at sea

Block Vb: Block V, with a joint multi-effects warhead that can hit more diverse land targets

Tried-and-true

U.S. and allied militaries have flight-tested the GPS-enabled Tomahawk 550 times and used it in combat more than 2,300 times. Its most recent use came in 2018, when U.S. Navy warships and submarines launched 66 Tomahawk missiles at Syrian chemical weapon facilities.

TOMAHAWK is a U.S. trademark of the Department of the Navy, an agency of the U.S. Government. Used with permission. The appearance of the TOMAHAWK mark does not imply or constitute endorsement by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Navy.