Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense won key year-end contracts for the latest version of its venerable Tomahawk cruise missile and for current and next-generation air combat missiles.
Raytheon was awarded a $171 million Navy contract option to deliver 111 Block V Tomahawks by late 2025, according to a Pentagon contract notice.
The order includes 48 Tomahawks for the Navy, as well as 50 for the Army and 13 for the Marine Corps for use with ground launchers currently under development.
The Navyโs workhorse long-range, ship- and submarine-launched weapon system from its initial use in the Gulf War in 1991 to its most recent use in Syria in 2018, the Tomahawk has been upgraded with new capabilities over the years.
In 2021, Raytheon delivered its first Block V Tomahawk, which has upgraded navigation and communication systems; other versions of the Block V can strike moving targets at sea and different types of land targets.
The United Kingdom is the only other nation to use the Tomahawk, but Australia and Canada have announced plans to buy Tomahawks for surface ships.
Air-combat missiles
Raytheon this week was awarded a $317 million Navy contract to produce 471 AIM-9X Sidewinder air-combat missiles for the U.S. and allied nations, according to a contract notice.
The company also was awarded a $21 million Air Force contract to develop critical subsystem technologies for two new air-combat weapons, the Extended Range Air-to-Air Missile and Compact Air-to-Air Missile systems.
The work under the Air Force Research Laboratory contract will be performed in Tucson and is expected to be completed by late 2029.
In September, Boeing was awarded a similar contract worth up to $9.8 million for subsystem development of the compact and extended-range air combat missiles.
Raytheon makes the current Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) as well as the shorter-range Sidewinder. Both are widely deployed by the Navy and Air Force and allied nations.
In 2019, Raytheon unveiled the Peregrine air-to-air missile, which features greater speed and range and advanced navigation and guidance in an airframe less than half the size of an AMRAAM, allowing fighters to carry twice as many missiles.
The company also has developed an extended range version of the AMRAAM for use with ground launchers as well as a new, longer-range air combat missile.
ICYMI: Watch the Star's top videos from the past week
New Javelina Statue unveiled along River path
Updateda new art sculpture was unveiled along the river path near Campbell Avenue. The statue features a javelina on a bike with an extra seat behind for the community to interact and sit on. Video by Pascal Albright/ Arizona Daily Star
Student led rally about school safety at the University of Arizona
UpdatedAbout 40 students and supporters showed up in front of Old Main to rally for change in school policies and administration on the University of Arizona campus, May 4. Video by Pascal Albright / Arizona Daily Star
New Mural highlights wildlife along River Walk
UpdatedA new mural is bringing color to the river walk. The new mural located near country club features vibrant depictions of Arizona wildlife. Video by Pascal Albright / Arizona Daily Star
Pima County Board of Supervisors discusses end of Title 42
UpdatedWatch now: Pima County is preparing to receive an increased number of asylum seekers when Title 42 ends on May 11. Video courtesy of Pima County
ChronicCon is canceled
UpdatedChronicCon, which had been scheduled for May 20th out at Cocoroque Ranch and Pavilion, has been canceled due to a reorganization of the Arizona Daily Star.
Forest Service officials looking for suspect in wildfire on Mount Lemmon
UpdatedForest Service Fire Investigators are trying to identify a man seen on video shooting a gun where the Molino basin wildfire started April 30. Officials are asking anyone with information to call 520-388-8343 or email the Coronado National Forest at Mailroom_R3_Coronado@usda.gov. Video courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.
A trip to Tucson's year-round farmers market at Rillito Park
UpdatedHeirloom Farmer Markets' weekly offerings at Rillito Park near the Chuck Huckelberry Loop can be found every Sunday morning. The market's current hours are 8 a.m. to noon.
Tucson police release video of fatal March 3 shootout
UpdatedAaron Martinka, 28, was shot and killed by Tucson police after firing at them during a traffic stop near North Campbell Avenue and East Grant Road, authorities say. Video courtesy of the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team.
Take a tour of the Blue Moon Community Garden
UpdatedBlue Moon Community Garden is one of 17 gardens overseen by the nonprofit Community Gardens of Tucson. Through regular events for gardeners and neighbors, CGT aims to bring people together to grow not only healthy foods, but also relationships. Video by Caitlin Schmidt / Arizona Daily Star
Rep. Stahl Hamilton apologizes for hiding copies of the Bible
UpdatedRep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, D-Tucson, apologized Wednesday to colleagues for moving and hiding copies of the Bible in the House membersโ lounge, saying she was trying to make a โplayfulโ point about the separation of church and state. Video courtesy of Arizona Capitol Television.
Arizona lawmakers propose bill to limit access to online pornography
UpdatedAfter being initially shot down, a new version of State Bill 1503, is being considered by Arizona lawmakers. Video courtesy of Arizona Capitol Television.
President of TUSD board voices support for LGBTQ+ students and staff
UpdatedTucson Unified School District's Governing Board President Ravi Shah spoke in support of LGBTQ+ students and district staff members during a board meeting Tuesday. Shah also showed support for an upcoming student-led drag show at Tucson High.
Footage shows Rep. Stahl Hamilton moving Bibles
UpdatedRep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, D-Tucson, was recently filmed hiding copies of the Bible inside a state Capitol lounge. Video courtesy of the Arizona House of Representatives.
Mountain lion caught on doorbell camera outside Bisbee home
UpdatedA mountain lion was recently seen in Bisbee on the porch of a home about 80 miles southeast of Tucson. The Arizona Game and Fish Department asks that sightings are reported at 623-236-7201 so officials can track the movement and behavior of wildlife. Video courtesy of AZGFD.
Time lapse: Northern Lights seen over Tucson
UpdatedThis footage showing the aurora borealis was captured by a camera belonging to the NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey at Mount Bigelow on April 23 from sundown to about 10 p.m. Video courtesy of David Rankin.
Trail camera catches a busy beaver on the San Pedro River
UpdatedThe river's beaver population is hanging on almost 25 years after being reintroduced by wildlife officials.
