The US State Department has approved the potential $300-million sale of Tomahawk cruise missile mission-planning systems, communications equipment, and related support services to Australia.
Under the proposed deal, Canberra would receive a Theater Mission Planning Center (TMPC), a TMPC Mission Planning System, associated communications equipment, and program management, engineering, training, and logistics support.
According to the State Department, the package would strengthen Australia’s Tomahawk capability, improve its ability to deter regional threats, and bolster homeland defense. It would also deepen interoperability with US and allied maritime forces and support joint missions.
BAE Systems in San Diego, California; Tapestry Solutions in St. Louis, Missouri; Peraton in San Jose, California; and Leidos in Virginia Beach, Virginia, will serve as principal contractors.
About the Tomahawk
Developed by Raytheon, the Tomahawk is a precision-strike cruise missile launched from ships and submarines, with a reported range of up to 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers).
Block IV missiles can loiter over a target area, change course, and retarget in flight using a two-way data link.
Introduced in 2021, the Block V series features upgrades to the warhead, navigation, and communications systems. Its Block Va variant uses an upgraded seeker to engage moving maritime targets, while Block Vb missiles carry a joint multi-effects warhead for striking a wider range of land targets.
Australia agreed in 2023 to purchase more than 200 Tomahawk missiles from the US in a deal valued at $830 million. The exact number was not disclosed.
In 2024, Raytheon received a $401.2-million US Navy full-rate production contract for 131 Block V Tomahawk missiles, including 11 for Australia.