The latest variant (Tomahawk Block IV) includes a two-way satellite data-link that enables the missile to be retargeted in flight to preprogrammed, alternate targets.
Tomahawk Block IV (TLAM-E) is the latest improvement to the Tomahawk missile family. Block IV capability enhancements include: (a) increased flexibility utilizing two-way satellite communications to reprogram the missile in-flight to a new aimpoint or new preplanned mission, send a new mission to the missile en route to a new target, and missile health and status messages during the flight; (b) increased responsiveness with faster launch timelines, mission planning capability aboard the launch platform, loiter capability in the area of emerging targets, the ability to provide battle damage indication in the target area, and the capability to provide a single-frame image of the target or other areas of interest along the missile flight path; and (c) improved affordability with a production cost of a Block IV significantly lower than the cost of a new Block III and a 15-year Block IV recertification interval compared to the eight-year interval for Block III.
The Tomahawk Block IV missile is powered by a Williams International F415 cruise turbo-fan engine and ARC MK 135 rocket motor. The propulsion provides a subsonic speed of 880km/h.
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October 04, 2016
http://tass.com/defense/904153
One battery of the air defense system S-300 will provide protection for the Russian Navy’s logistic facility in Tartus and Russian ships off Syria’s shores, Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told the media on Tuesday.
"It is true that one battery of the S-300 air defense systems has been delivered to Syria. It is to provide protection for the naval logistics facility in Tartus and the Russian Navy’s task force," Konashenkov said.
Russia last year moved to Syria its newest air defense system S-400. As Russian President Vladimir Putin said in the middle of last March, S-400 systems and short-range systems Pantsir would remain on permanent combat duty in Syria
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http://tass.com/defense/855430
Russian-Syrian air defense force
According to public sources, the combined Russian-Syrian AD force was deployed in the war zone as far back as November 2015, comprising:
- Pantsir-S1 (SS-22 Greyhound) close-in SAM/AA systems;
- Osa-AKM (SA-8 Gecko);
- S-125 Pechora-2M (SA-3 Goa) short-range (SHORAD) SAM systems;
- Buk-M2E (SA-17 Grizzly) medium-range SAM systems;
- S-200VE Vega (SA-5 Gammon);
- S-400 Triumph long-range SAM systems.
Moreover, a decision was made to add the
S-300FM Fort-M (SA-N-20) SAM systems of the Moskva and Varyag (Slava-class)
guided missile cruisers in Syria’s littorals in order to augment the air defenses in the wake of the Su-24M’s downing on November 24, 2015. To cap it all,
Krasukha-4 electronic warfare (EW) systems were deployed in Hmeymim AB to protect it from hostile air and space reconnaissance assets.
At least
three layers are apparent in the SAM-based air defenses of Hmeymim AB.
- The first layer is provided by the S-400 and S-200VE long-range systems.
- The second one is handled by the S-300FM Fort-M and Buk-M2E medium-range systems.
- The third layer is furnished by the Osa-AKM and S-125 Pechora-2M SHORAD systems.
Finally, the
Pantsir-S1 close-in systems should be considered to be a means of covering the air base and S-400.
Number of tracks which can be engaged by S300 is up to 12 and the numbers of Targets engaged up to 6 .
Numbers of Missiles in the complex up to 48.
US Forces have fired 59 Tomahawk Missiles and according to reports 23 hit the target according to Russian defense Ministry.
the Russian Defense Ministry said that
only 23 Tomahawk missiles reached the Ash Sha’irat airbase, however, the
Pentagon has already denied the information.
Two ships that were part of this, USS Porter and USS Ross, between the two of them, they launched… 59 missiles. We have positive confirmation each one of those missiles hit the target," the official told reporters.
"We have reports of approximately 20 aircraft that were destroyed," the official told reporters.
The Pentagon believes that Syrian Army's surface-to-air missiles were destroyed in the US attack, the official said.
"We know that we have damaged petroleum sites. We have taken out their surface-to-air missile systems," the official told reporters.