Raytheon to supply additional wireless-guided TOW missiles to US Army

Raytheon has received a $101m contract modification from the US Army to provide additional tube-launched, optically tracked, wireless-guided missiles for the TOW weapon system.

The wireless-guided TOW missile is used as an anti-tank weapon to defeat armoured and wheeled systems.

The transition to wireless guidance took place in 2010. The advanced weapon was introduced as the replacement for a wire-guided variant in use since 1970.

The Army Contracting Command is procuring the weapon system for the US Army, US Marines and international customers.

Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice-president Sam Deneke said: “TOW gives soldiers the upper hand in battle. The system easily defeats opponents at long range in main battle tanks, fortified bunkers or moving armoured vehicles.”

Work under this contract will be performed in Tucson, Arizona. The company is expected to complete the work by 31 August 2022.

The TOW weapon system is comprised of the multi-mission TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles.

The system is designed to serve as a long-range, heavy assault-precision anti-armour, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing weapon system.

Raytheon has so far delivered more than 700,000 TOW weapon systems to the US and allied nations.

More than 20 international armed forces are using the system. The TOW missiles can be launched from ground and helicopter platforms.

The launcher systems include the ITAS launcher, Stryker anti-tank guided missile vehicle and Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

Raytheon is also making enhancements to the missile to meet the US Army’s requirement for an extended-range, anti-tank guided missile.

Efforts also include improving the TOW missile’s propulsion system to increase distance and speed.

The army will continue to operate the TOW missile until at least 2034, the firm added.

In May, Raytheon was contracted to deliver engineering services for refinement and maintenance of the wireless-guided weapon system.