How Much is a Tomahawk Missile?
The Tomahawk missile is a precision-guided, stand-off, long-range missile used by the United States military for a variety of missions, including land attack, anti-ship, and cruise missile defense. The Tomahawk missile is a complex weapon system that has undergone several upgrades and variants since its introduction in the 1980s. In this article, we will explore the costs associated with the Tomahawk missile, including the original development cost, procurement cost, and operational costs.
Original Development Cost
The Tomahawk missile was developed in the 1970s and 1980s by the U.S. Department of Defense, with a primary focus on the United States Navy. The initial development cost of the Tomahawk missile was approximately $1.3 billion, which is equivalent to around $4.5 billion in today’s dollars, adjusted for inflation.
Procurement Cost
The procurement cost of the Tomahawk missile varies depending on the specific variant and the number of missiles being purchased. Here is a breakdown of the procurement costs for some of the most common Tomahawk variants:
| Variant | Procurement Cost per Missile |
|---|---|
| Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) | $600,000 to $800,000 |
| Tomahawk Anti-Ship Missile (TASM) | $1.2 million to $1.5 million |
| Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (Block IV) | $1.4 million to $1.8 million |
Operational Costs
The operational costs of the Tomahawk missile include the costs of launching, maintaining, and operating the missile, as well as the costs of personnel, training, and logistics. Here are some estimated operational costs for the Tomahawk missile:
| Cost Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Launch Costs | $100,000 to $200,000 per launch |
| Maintenance Costs | $50,000 to $100,000 per year |
| Personnel Costs | $100,000 to $200,000 per year |
| Training Costs | $50,000 to $100,000 per year |
| Logistics Costs | $100,000 to $200,000 per year |
Total Cost
The total cost of owning and operating a Tomahawk missile can vary significantly depending on the specific variant, the number of missiles being used, and the operational tempo. Here are some estimated total costs for the Tomahawk missile:
| Total Cost Estimate | $1.5 million to $3.5 million per missile |
|---|
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tomahawk missile is a complex and expensive weapon system that has undergone significant development and upgrade costs over the years. The original development cost of the Tomahawk missile was approximately $1.3 billion, while the procurement cost varies depending on the specific variant and the number of missiles being purchased. Operational costs include launch, maintenance, personnel, training, and logistics costs, and can range from $1.5 million to $3.5 million per missile. Overall, the Tomahawk missile is a highly advanced and expensive weapon system that requires significant investment and maintenance to operate effectively.
Key Takeaways
• The original development cost of the Tomahawk missile was approximately $1.3 billion.
• The procurement cost of the Tomahawk missile varies depending on the specific variant and the number of missiles being purchased.
• Operational costs include launch, maintenance, personnel, training, and logistics costs.
• The total cost of owning and operating a Tomahawk missile can vary significantly depending on the specific variant, the number of missiles being used, and the operational tempo.
• The Tomahawk missile is a highly advanced and expensive weapon system that requires significant investment and maintenance to operate effectively.
