The U.S. Army has announced the signing of a new $536 million contract with Raytheon for the TOW anti-tank guided missile system…
The modification covers full-rate production of the TOW weapon system, with work expected to be completed by 2027.
The U.S. Army plans to keep the TOW weapon system in service beyond 2050, while the latest agreement covers full-rate production and associated engineering services through 2027.
TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) is a long-range anti-tank guided missile system designed to engage main battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, fortified positions, and other high-value ground targets.
The current TOW family includes several variants configured for different target sets, including the TOW 2A, TOW 2B, TOW 2B Aero, and TOW Bunker Buster.
The TOW 2A, TOW 2B, and TOW 2B Aero variants have engagement ranges of approximately 3.75 to 4.5 kilometers and employ SACLOS guidance.
The TOW 2A employs a tandem HEAT warhead for direct attacks against vehicles protected by explosive reactive armor, while the TOW 2B uses a top-attack profile to engage the comparatively less-protected upper armor of armored vehicles…