DStrakDEFENCE AND STRATEGIC KNOWLEDGE
Arsenal/Missile/BGM-109 Tomahawk
Loading 3D model0%Downloading 3D asset · 0%BGM-109 Tomahawk GLB model
Loading real model
Auto rotating · Drag or swipe to rotate · Pinch or scroll to zoom
United States · In service · combat proven

BGM-109 Tomahawk

Long-range subsonic cruise missile

A combat-proven, low-flying precision cruise missile launched from surface warships and submarines for long-range strikes.

Introduced1983
SpeedApprox. Mach 0.74
Range1,600+ km, variant dependent
CrewPlatform operated
Platform profile

Technical overview

Manufacturer
RTX / Raytheon
Primary role
Long-range subsonic cruise missile
Dimensions
Approx. 5.6 m without booster
Operators
U.S. Navy and Royal Navy
Variants
Block IV · V · Va · Vb
Operational status
In service · combat proven
Complete platform dossier

BGM-109 Tomahawk details

Identity

Full name
BGM-109 Tomahawk
Type
Long-range subsonic cruise missile
Manufacturer
RTX / Raytheon
Country of origin
United States
Entered service
1983
Primary users
U.S. Navy and Royal Navy
Combat proven
Yes

Mission roles

  • Long-range precision strike
  • Land attack
  • Maritime strike on Block Va
  • Hardened-target attack on Block Vb

Variants

Block IV
Tactical Tomahawk
Block V
Modernized current version
Block Va
Maritime Strike Tomahawk with anti-ship capability
Block Vb
Enhanced capability against hardened targets

Performance

Speed
Approximately Mach 0.74
Range
Roughly 1,600+ km, depending on variant
Flight profile
Low-altitude terrain-following flight

Propulsion

  • Turbofan sustainer engine
  • Solid-fuel launch booster

Flight and launch profile

  • Launched from surface warships and submarines
  • Low-altitude terrain-following profile
  • Long stand-off range keeps launch platforms away from many defended targets

Guidance

  • Inertial navigation
  • GPS
  • Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM)
  • Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation (DSMAC) on applicable variants
  • Modern variants add improved navigation and communications

Warhead

Type
Conventional unitary / high-explosive warhead on current operational variants
Warhead class
Approximately 450 kg

Launch platforms

Surface launch
Guided-missile destroyers and cruisers
Subsurface launch
Attack and guided-missile submarines

Strengths

  • Long-range precision strike
  • Combat-proven since the 1991 Gulf War
  • Multiple launch-platform options
  • Modernized variants add maritime and hardened-target capabilities

Limitations

  • Subsonic speed increases time to target
  • Capability varies by block and mission configuration
  • Relies on planned routes and guidance updates for maximum effectiveness

Operators and customers

United States NavyRoyal Navy

Interesting facts

  1. One of the world’s best-known cruise missiles.
  2. Has been extensively used in conflicts since the 1991 Gulf War.
  3. Enables precision strikes without placing aircraft directly over heavily defended targets.