# Navy plans sole-source Raytheon contract for low-rate production of Tomahawk's JMEWS warhead
The award would move the warhead for Tomahawk Block Vb from development into production. The notice gives no quantity, dollar value or contract type.
Published 2026-10-07 by TGOs. Canonical: https://tgos.io/news/2026/10/07/navy-plans-sole-source-raytheon-contract-for-low-rate/
The Navy intends to award Raytheon a sole-source contract for low-rate initial production of the Joint Multiple Effects Warhead System (JMEWS), warhead suites designated for Tomahawk Block Vb. Naval Air Systems Command posted the notice of intent on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.[2] The Navy lists the system as a replacement for Tomahawk's current warhead.[1] The effort would move JMEWS from engineering and manufacturing development into production.[2]
The development contract went to Raytheon without competition too. Signed in February 2020, it is priced cost-plus-incentive-fee.[3] In April 2025, the command said it intended to give Raytheon a transition-to-production effort with an anticipated 18-month period of performance.[4] That notice listed ground-launch flight tests, a production readiness review and readiness for low-rate initial production.[4]
The Navy rests the production sole source on Raytheon's standing as Tomahawk's "sole developer, designer, and manufacturer" since 1994, and on RTX alone holding the missile's current configuration and manufacturing data.[2]
## Why it matters
Other firms can send capability statements, which the Navy will consider, by Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, at 4 p.m. Eastern; the notice is not a request for competitive proposals.[2] The award could show whether production keeps the development contract's cost-plus-incentive-fee terms.[2][3]
## Sources
1. U.S. Navy, Tomahawk Cruise Missile fact file
2. sam.gov
3. api.usaspending.gov
4. sam.gov