A Tomahawk Block IV missile launched from a Virginia Class submarine, completing integration of the weapon onto the newest class of fast-attack submarines, Raytheon Co. [RTN] announced.

Other classes of Navy vessels already deploy the missiles.

“Integration of the Tomahawk Block IV on the Virginia class submarine provides the fleet with a powerful combination of delivering Special Operations Forces and supporting them with the power and precision of the Tomahawk missile,” said Capt. Rick McQueen, Navy program manager for the Tomahawk weapon system.

“The Tomahawk currently is used very effectively in the global war on terror. The fleet now has the ability to expand the prosecution of this mission with increased stealth, flexibility and precision firepower.”

Tomahawk Block IV is a surface- and submarine-launched precision strike stand-off weapon. It is designed for long-range precision strike missions against high-value and heavily defended targets.

“This test highlights a successful integration effort that provides all the capabilities of the Tomahawk missile on Navy platforms that include destroyers, cruisers, fast- attack and guided-missile boats,” said Gary Hagedon, Raytheon Tomahawk program director.

This was the 16th consecutive test of the Tomahawk Block IV and completes the Navy 2008 test series of eight launches.

Tomahawk Block IV employs a two-way satellite data link that enables a strike controller to flex the missile in flight to preprogrammed alternate targets or redirect it to a new target. This targeting flexibility includes the capability to loiter over the battlefield and await a more critical target.