The strategic cruise missile was born when interest was renewed in air and submarine launched cruise missile following the signing of the first SALT I (Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty). Research and development were broadened to include all sea launched cruise missiles, and the program was formally started on 2 June 1972.
For the Navy, General Dynamics had the most successful test missile program. On 1 February 1977, it was awarded the first full-scale naval production contract. The General Dynamics missile was named Tomahawk. It was initially designed as a medium- to long-range, low-altitude missile that could be launched from a surface platform. Since then, it has been upgraded several times with guidance systems for precision navigation.
The Block II TLAM-A (Tomahawk Land Attack Missile -A) missile achieved initial operating capability in 1984. The first operational use of Tomahawk in January 1991 made significant contributions to the neutralization and destruction of Iraqi air defense, command and control, and weapons storage facilities and therefore played a significant role in the successful outcome of Operation Desert Storm.
In 1992–1994, McDonnell Douglas Corporation was the sole supplier of Tomahawk Missiles and produced Block II and Block III Tomahawk missiles and remanufactured many Tomahawks to Block III specifications.
In 1994, Hughes outbid McDonnell Douglas Aerospace to become the sole supplier of Tomahawk missiles. It is now manufactured by Raytheon. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Defense purchased 149 Tomahawk Block IV missiles for $202.3 million.
History of invention of Tomahawk Cruise Missile
