Raytheon Missiles & Fire Control builds most Tomahawk missiles for the U.S. Navy

Raytheon Missiles & Fire Control, a division of Raytheon Technologies, is the primary manufacturer of Tomahawk cruise missiles. The company produces them at facilities in Arizona and Alabama, where engineers and technicians assemble the missile bodies, guidance systems, and warheads. Raytheon has held the main production contract since the 1980s and continues to manufacture new missiles and upgrade existing ones in the Navy's inventory.

The Tomahawk program involves multiple contractors beyond Raytheon. General Dynamics produces the rocket motor that propels the missile, while other suppliers manufacture components like the terrain-matching guidance system and the turbofan engine. No single company builds the entire missile—instead, a network of defense contractors across the country produces different parts, which are then assembled at Raytheon's main facilities.

Production volumes depend on Navy contracts and congressional funding. The Navy orders Tomahawks in batches, and Raytheon adjusts manufacturing schedules based on those orders. In recent years, the company has increased production to replace missiles fired in military operations and to stock new ships entering service.

Key Takeaways

  • Raytheon Missiles & Fire Control manufactures Tomahawk cruise missiles at plants in Arizona and Alabama for the U.S. Navy.
  • General Dynamics supplies the rocket motor, while other defense contractors provide engines, guidance systems, and other major components.
  • The missile is assembled from parts made by multiple suppliers across different states, then tested before delivery to the Navy.
  • Production rates change based on Navy orders and congressional budget decisions, not on a fixed annual schedule.

Raytheon's manufacturing facilities and assembly process

Raytheon operates two main plants that handle Tomahawk production. The facility in Tucson, Arizona focuses on final assembly and testing, while the plant in Troy, Alabama handles component manufacturing and subassembly. Both locations employ hundreds of workers in engineering, manufacturing, and quality control roles.

The assembly process begins with the missile body, which is manufactured from aluminum and composite materials. Workers install the guidance computer, which uses terrain mapping and GPS to navigate to its target. The turbofan engine is mounted in the rear section, and fuel tanks are filled and sealed. Each missile is then tested for structural integrity and system function before being shipped to the Navy.

Quality control is strict throughout production. Inspectors check components at multiple stages, and completed missiles undergo ground tests to verify that all systems operate correctly. The Navy conducts its own inspections before accepting missiles for inventory.

General Dynamics and the rocket motor supply chain

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems manufactures the solid rocket motor that provides the initial boost when a Tomahawk launches. This motor burns for the first few seconds of flight, accelerating the missile to cruise speed before the turbofan engine takes over. General Dynamics produces these motors at facilities in several states and delivers them to Raytheon for integration into the complete missile.

The rocket motor is one of the most specialized components in the missile. It must withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, and its performance directly affects how far and how fast the Tomahawk can fly. General Dynamics works closely with Raytheon's engineers to may support that each motor meets exact specifications.

Other major suppliers and component manufacturers

Beyond Raytheon and General Dynamics, dozens of other companies supply parts for Tomahawk missiles. Williams International manufactures the turbofan engine that powers cruise flight. Northrop Grumman has provided guidance and navigation systems in some variants. Lockheed Martin supplies components for certain missile versions.

Smaller suppliers manufacture items like pumps, valves, wiring harnesses, and electronic components. Many of these suppliers are located in California, Connecticut, Ohio, and Texas. The supply chain is spread across the country partly for redundancy—if one facility faces disruption, production can continue at other locations.

The Navy and Raytheon maintain a list of approved suppliers for each component. Switching suppliers requires extensive testing to may support that new parts meet the same performance standards as the originals. This process can take months or years, which is why the same companies have supplied components for decades.

How production contracts and funding affect manufacturing

The U.S. Congress appropriates money for Tomahawk production through the annual defense budget. The Navy submits requests for a specific number of missiles, and Congress approves or adjusts that number based on military strategy and budget constraints. Raytheon then schedules production to match the approved quantities.

Production rates have fluctuated over the years. During the 1990s, after the Cold War ended, production slowed significantly. Following the September 2001 attacks and subsequent military operations in the Middle East, production increased. In recent years, the Navy has requested steady supplies to maintain inventory levels and equip new ships.

Lead times for Tomahawk production typically run 18 to 24 months from contract award to delivery. This means that decisions made today about funding affect the missiles the Navy receives two years later. Raytheon must forecast demand and plan workforce hiring and supplier contracts accordingly.

Upgrades and variants in current production

Raytheon does not manufacture only one version of the Tomahawk. The Navy operates several variants, including the Block IV, which features improved guidance, longer range, and the ability to loiter over a target area before striking. Raytheon produces new Block IV missiles and also upgrades older missiles to this standard.

The company is also developing the Block V variant, which will include enhanced networking capabilities and improved targeting. This version is still in development and testing, but Raytheon has begun low-rate production to support Navy testing and evaluation.

Maintaining multiple variants complicates manufacturing because different versions require different components and assembly procedures. Raytheon's plants must be flexible enough to switch between variants as orders change, which requires careful workforce training and inventory management.

International sales and foreign military versions

The U.S. government has authorized Raytheon to sell Tomahawk missiles to certain allied nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. These foreign military sales require State Department approval and are subject to strict export controls. Raytheon manufactures these missiles at the same facilities as U.S. Navy missiles, but they may include different components or software restrictions based on U.S. policy.

Foreign sales represent a smaller portion of Raytheon's Tomahawk business compared to U.S. Navy contracts, but they provide steady revenue and help sustain the production workforce during periods when Navy orders are lower. The company must manage separate supply chains and quality control procedures for export versions to comply with government regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Raytheon manufacture the entire Tomahawk missile by itself?

No. Raytheon assembles the complete missile and handles final testing, but other companies manufacture major components. General Dynamics makes the rocket motor, Williams International makes the turbofan engine, and dozens of other suppliers provide smaller parts. Raytheon integrates all these components into the finished missile.

Where are Tomahawk missiles manufactured?

The main assembly and testing happens at Raytheon's facility in Tucson, Arizona. Component manufacturing occurs at the Troy, Alabama plant and at supplier facilities across multiple states. The rocket motor comes from General Dynamics plants, and the engine comes from Williams International facilities.

How many Tomahawk missiles does Raytheon produce each year?

Production numbers vary based on Navy contracts and congressional funding. The Navy does not publish exact annual production figures, but estimates suggest production ranges from dozens to over a hundred missiles per year depending on current demand and budget decisions.

Can other companies manufacture Tomahawk missiles?

The U.S. government has not authorized any other company to manufacture complete Tomahawk missiles. Raytheon holds the exclusive production contract. Other companies can only manufacture specific components under subcontracts to Raytheon.

How long does it take to manufacture a Tomahawk missile?

From the start of assembly to final delivery typically takes several months per missile, but the overall lead time from contract award to delivery is 18 to 24 months. This longer timeline accounts for planning, supplier coordination, and testing of the entire production batch.