In a new partnership with the United States, the United Kingdom's Royal Fleet will be kitted with a host of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) in an effort to maintain a heavy deterrence against potential impending Russian incursions. The deal is witnessed via a signed contract between both countries, wherein Britain will acquire not just a major boost to its existing weapons systems but also enhanced aid for a variety of sites located throughout the UK, including Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and Babcock International.
Additionally, the British Royal Navy's Astute-Class submarines will receive Block V standard missiles that have been upgraded with a range of 1,000 miles, allowing the UK's fleet to hit potential targets without breaking a single sweat. These upgraded Block V missiles not only have the boosted range, which is far superior to the Block IV's estimated 229 miles (370km), but also enhanced precision accuracy.
These enhanced Block V missiles even have sophisticated technologies that allow them interesting new deterrents from the likes of cyber-attacks and counterstrikes, making them highly lethal in the hands of the British Royal Navy. In addition to said resistances, the missiles also come with a target selection option and in-flight communication techniques. Amid the still-ongoing transition, the upgraded Block V missiles have already undergone extensive testing and operational training.
Jeremy Quin, UK's Ministry for Defense Procurement, called the missiles "the most lethal and precise long-range cutting strike weapons." He added, "Enhancing this cutting-edge missile system will ensure the UK can strike severe threats up to 1,000 miles away."
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First introduced in 1998, the Tomahawk missile is utilized via sea launch and is capable of taking out targets within mere minutes of a launch - thanks to their subsonic speeds. Measuring well over five meters in length and weighing around 2,200kg per missile, the Tomahawk ascertains its namesake from the Native Americans, a typical honor made under the US Army following the project's passing into the hands of the USAF in the early years of its inception.
Negotiated via the procurement arm under the Ministry of Defense, called Defense Equipment and Support, alongside the US government amid a Foreign Military Sale, these varied Tomahawk missiles will be active following their myriad upgrades starting in July. The contract will also allow extensive US research and support surrounding the missile upgrades, in addition to full access to the Tomahawk missile program, future upgrades, and consistent support packages for the long-term.
"The Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile is a cutting-edge system which provides the UK with real strategic and operational choice," explained Director of Submarines for the British Royal Navy, Rear Admiral Simon Asquith. "Able to be fired from a stealthy UK nuclear attack submarine, the system's exceptional range, accuracy and survivability provides the UK, alongside our US Allies, with a world-beating precision strike capability."
The news comes not days following potential stopgaps in UK-US relations led by the latter, which warned the UK of potential interference over submarine technology. The UK is also beefing up its above-sea technology in the form of Type 45 Ballistic Missile Defense upgrades, which will see around £300 million for the support of new jobs and increased destroyer capabilities.
