Australia’s intention to buy up to 220 RGM-109E Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States was approved on 16 March 2023 by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which estimated the deal to be worth USD 895 M (EUR 830.54 M).
The purchase, which still awaits approval from the US Congress, would consist of up to 200 Tomahawk Block V all-up rounds (AURs) and up to 20 Tomahawk Block IV AURs.
The Tomahawks in this sale would be carried by the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) three Hobart-class air warfare destroyers, although this weapon system is also likely to arm Australia’s future SSN-Aukus class of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) being built with US and UK assistance under the Aukus Pact. The Tomahawk already arms the US Virginia-class SSN, of which the RAN will acquire at least three under the latest Aukus plans.
Also included in the sale is support for all three segments of Australia’s Tomahawk Weapon System (TWS), to include the AURs, the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System (TTWCS) and the Theater Mission Planning Center (TMPC).
The Block V Tomahawk, delivered from 2021, is a modernisation of the Block IV with navigation and in-flight targeting improvements; the Block Va is able to strike moving targets at sea, while the Block Vb has a joint multi-effects warhead that can strike more diverse land targets. While the RGM-109E Block IV has a maximum range of around 1,667 km (900 n miles), the Block V has a classified range that exceeds that.
The UK Royal Navy is currently the only operator of the Tomahawk cruise missile, although, in addition to Australia, Japan also intends to acquire the system.
Stating that it is “vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability”, a DSCA statement said, “The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to interoperate with US maritime forces and other allied forces as well as its ability to contribute to missions of mutual interest. By deploying the Tomahawk Weapon System, Australia will contribute to global readiness and enhance the capability of US forces operating alongside them globally. Australia will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.”
The prime US contractor for the sale will be Raytheon Missiles and Defense, based in Tucson, Arizona.
Peter Felstead
