scoone
01-25-2004, 09:52 AM
The Spanish Navy has requested the U.S. government to release for sale Tomahawk missiles. It is likely that the U.S. Navy would release a global positioning system (GPS) guidance-only version of the newer and cheaper version, the Block IV Tactical Tomahawk land-attack missile (TLAM).
However, the deal has not been finalized because release ability issues still have to be resolved. In light of Spain's support of the United States during the recent Iraqi war and the importance of its role within NATO, it is likely that the United States will approve the request.
The Spanish Navy intends to deploy these missiles first on the Alvaro de Bazan-class destroyers and possibly later in the S 80-class submarines. The Alvaro de Bazan-class destroyers will house and launch the cruise missiles from the Lockheed Martin-built Mk41 vertical launch system (VLS). More than likely all four units of the class will be armed with Tomahawks once the sale is approved.
The Spanish Navy is also planning to arm a new class of submarines with the Tomahawk. The S 80 submarine, designed by IZAR, will likely be fitted for but not with the new TLAMs, giving the service the flexibility to arm the submarines with the missiles at a later date. When the S 80 submarine initially was designed, it was envisioned as a Spanish version of the French Scorpéne class. However, the S 80 is a new and larger IZAR design of approximately 2,400 tons. In its current design phase it appears that a Lockheed Martin combat management system will be selected, which should also facilitate the integration of the Tomahawk missile. Should Tomahawk not be approved for release, the Spanish Navy would likely look to the new French Naval Scalp missile.
The Tomahawk cruise missile--once restricted to the United States and United Kingdom only--appears to be headed for Spain and possibly other nations in the near future, but perhaps in different variants (GPS-only guidance). The Tomahawk will fit only in the strike-length Mk41 Vertical Launching System, while most exports of the Mk41 VLS have been of tactical length.
However, the deal has not been finalized because release ability issues still have to be resolved. In light of Spain's support of the United States during the recent Iraqi war and the importance of its role within NATO, it is likely that the United States will approve the request.
The Spanish Navy intends to deploy these missiles first on the Alvaro de Bazan-class destroyers and possibly later in the S 80-class submarines. The Alvaro de Bazan-class destroyers will house and launch the cruise missiles from the Lockheed Martin-built Mk41 vertical launch system (VLS). More than likely all four units of the class will be armed with Tomahawks once the sale is approved.
The Spanish Navy is also planning to arm a new class of submarines with the Tomahawk. The S 80 submarine, designed by IZAR, will likely be fitted for but not with the new TLAMs, giving the service the flexibility to arm the submarines with the missiles at a later date. When the S 80 submarine initially was designed, it was envisioned as a Spanish version of the French Scorpéne class. However, the S 80 is a new and larger IZAR design of approximately 2,400 tons. In its current design phase it appears that a Lockheed Martin combat management system will be selected, which should also facilitate the integration of the Tomahawk missile. Should Tomahawk not be approved for release, the Spanish Navy would likely look to the new French Naval Scalp missile.
The Tomahawk cruise missile--once restricted to the United States and United Kingdom only--appears to be headed for Spain and possibly other nations in the near future, but perhaps in different variants (GPS-only guidance). The Tomahawk will fit only in the strike-length Mk41 Vertical Launching System, while most exports of the Mk41 VLS have been of tactical length.