The U.S. Navy is taking swift action to bolster its inventory of Tomahawk cruise missiles a move driven by the current global security landscape. By tapping into an existing 2019 contract for SLAM-ER cruise missiles the Navy aims to fast-track the production of new warhead casings by 2027. This strategic maneuver is part of a broader effort to ensure the United States maintains a robust defense posture in the face of evolving threats.
The decision to accelerate production was outlined in a Sept. 2 contract notice which emphasized the immediate need for increased missile production. The contract modification tasks General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems with manufacturing and delivering warhead housings within a tight nine-month window. These components will be integral to the production of missile warhead sections for the U/RGM-109E TACTOM.
Meeting Urgent Military Demands
The U.S. Navy has been actively engaged in Operation Epic Fury during which hundreds of Tomahawk cruise missiles have been deployed. This intense usage has raised concerns about the sustainability of current stockpiles, particularly in the context of potential wider conflicts, such as those in the Indo-Pacific region. To address these concerns, the Pentagon has already signed agreements with major defense companies to accelerate the production of other critical munitions, including the Navy’s SM-3 anti-ballistic missile and the Army’s PAC-3 MSE interceptor.
The integration of Tomahawk warhead production into the existing SLAM-ER contract is a strategic move to avoid the lengthy lead times associated with awarding new contracts or qualifying secondary warhead sources. This approach grants the Navy and prime contractor Raytheon faster access to essential subcomponents, ensuring that both newly built and recertified Block IV/V Tomahawk missiles are equipped with the necessary warheads.
Japan’s Strategic Enhancements
In a parallel development, Japan has made significant strides in enhancing its defense capabilities. The guided-missile destroyer JS Chokai returned to Japan in August 2026 after undergoing modifications in the United States to accommodate Tomahawk missiles. This marks a major milestone in Japan’s efforts to acquire stand-off capabilities which allow its forces to strike targets from beyond the range of an adversary’s weapons.
The JS Chokai successfully test-fired a Tomahawk missile in the Pacific on July 29, 2026, demonstrating its new capabilities. Japan plans to equip at least four more of its eight Aegis-equipped destroyers with Tomahawk capability, further strengthening its defense posture. The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, known for its high subsonic speeds and low-altitude evasive routes, has a range of about 1,000 miles, making it a valuable asset for Japan’s defense strategy.
Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized the importance of strengthening stand-off defense capabilities to safeguard the lives and peaceful livelihoods of the Japanese people. The Tomahawk missiles will be used only in the event of an armed attack from another country, underscoring Japan’s commitment to defensive measures.
Future Production and Strategic Implications
The U.S. government approved a $2.35 billion sale to Japan of up to 200 Block IV and 200 Block V Tomahawk missiles in November 2023. Japan received its first Tomahawk missiles in March 2026, although the exact number of missiles delivered has not been disclosed. The Block V Tomahawk, with a cost of $3.64 million per missile, represents a significant investment in advanced military technology.
The Pentagon is seeking to substantially increase inventories of missiles and interceptors to meet surging global demands. The Navy awarded Raytheon a seven-year, $22.9 billion contract aimed at increasing annual Tomahawk production to more than 1,000 missiles. Raytheon President Phil Jasper described the Tomahawk as the Navy’s most important strike weapon and highlighted the company’s efforts to dramatically boost production capacity.
As the global security landscape continues to evolve, the acceleration of Tomahawk production and the strategic enhancements by Japan underscore the critical role of advanced military technology in maintaining defense capabilities. These developments are poised to shape the future of military strategy and international security.
