How Much is a Tomahawk Cruise Missile?
The Tomahawk cruise missile is a potent weapon used by the United States Navy and Air Force to strike land targets with precision and accuracy. Its versatility and capabilities have made it a vital component of the US military’s arsenal. But one question often asked is: how much does a Tomahawk cruise missile cost?
The Cost of a Tomahawk Cruise Missile
The cost of a Tomahawk cruise missile is approximately $1.6 million to $1.8 million per unit, depending on the variant and the manufacturer. However, this figure does not include the costs of launching the missile, which can add up to millions of dollars per shot.
Here are some costs associated with launching a Tomahawk cruise missile:
- Guided Reentry Vehicle (GRV): The GRV is the reentry vehicle that carries the warhead. The cost of the GRV is approximately $400,000 to $500,000 per unit.
- Boosters: The boosters are the solid rocket motors that propel the missile to high speed. The cost of the boosters is approximately $200,000 to $300,000 per unit.
- Control Systems: The control systems, including the navigation and guidance systems, are approximately $100,000 to $200,000 per unit.
- Launch Tubes: The launch tubes are the structures that contain the missiles. The cost of the launch tubes is approximately $50,000 to $100,000 per unit.
Comparison with Other Missiles
The Tomahawk cruise missile is significantly more expensive than other cruise missiles, such as the Russian Kh-55 (approximately $50,000 to $100,000 per unit) and the Chinese DF-21D (approximately $10,000 to $20,000 per unit). However, the Tomahawk cruise missile is also more advanced and capable than these other missiles.
Variants of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile
The Tomahawk cruise missile has several variants, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Here are some of the most notable variants:
- Tomahawk Block IV: This is the latest variant of the Tomahawk cruise missile, with improved navigation and guidance systems, as well as enhanced warhead options. The cost of the Tomahawk Block IV is approximately $1.8 million per unit.
- Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM): This variant is designed for use against land targets and has a range of approximately 900 nautical miles (1,667 km). The cost of the TLAM is approximately $1.6 million per unit.
- Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) Extended Range: This variant has a range of approximately 1,500 nautical miles (2,778 km) and is designed for use against distant targets. The cost of the TLAM Extended Range is approximately $2.0 million per unit.
Conclusion
The Tomahawk cruise missile is a highly capable and versatile weapon system that is used by the US military to strike land targets with precision and accuracy. While its cost is high, the missile’s advanced capabilities and flexibility make it a valuable asset for the US military. Here is a summary of the costs associated with the Tomahawk cruise missile:
| Cost | Unit Price |
|---|---|
| Tomahawk Cruise Missile | $1.6 million – $1.8 million |
| GRV | $400,000 – $500,000 |
| Boosters | $200,000 – $300,000 |
| Control Systems | $100,000 – $200,000 |
| Launch Tubes | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Overall, the Tomahawk cruise missile is a potent weapon system that is a key component of the US military’s arsenal. While its cost is high, its capabilities and flexibility make it a valuable asset for the US military.
