The black Tomahawk: a new weapon in the skies of the Iran conflict
Images released by the U.S. Navy from the operation dubbed “Epic Wrath,” which targeted Iranian sites, revealed the unprecedented appearance of a “Tomahawk” missile painted in glossy black, launched from Arleigh Burke–class destroyers.
The sight drew significant attention in military circles, marking, according to the defense outlet The War Zone, the first public observation of this new coating in combat operations.
Unlike traditional missiles painted in haze gray, the new variant appeared in a dark, glossy finish, leading experts to suggest it may represent an upgraded generation featuring enhanced stealth characteristics designed to improve its ability to penetrate hostile air defense systems.
Low-observable coating and advanced survivability technologies
The black “Tomahawk”
The missile’s dark coloration matches that used on the long-range stealth anti-ship missile AGM-158C, suggesting the adoption of a low-observable coating intended to reduce radar and thermal detectability.
The coating is believed to be designed to absorb radar waves and suppress the missile’s heat signature, particularly during low-altitude flight over the sea.
This development forms part of a continuous series of upgrades to the “Tomahawk” missile, which has been in service for decades. These enhancements include design modifications such as a serrated leading edge at the nose to reduce frontal radar cross-section, as well as a small V-shaped air intake door that retracts automatically once the missile reaches stable cruising speed after launch.
The latest variant: upgraded maritime strike
Experts suggest that the black missile is likely the newest version of the upgraded maritime strike “Tomahawk,” known as the Block V maritime variant, distinguished by its ability to engage long-range naval targets with high precision.
This version incorporates a multimode guidance system that includes an imaging infrared seeker, providing advanced target discrimination and engagement capabilities.
In addition, all fifth-generation “Tomahawk” missiles are equipped with a two-way data link that allows target information updates, course corrections, and even full in-flight retargeting if required.
The black “Tomahawk”
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command had previously released unclassified presentation slides referencing a dark-colored missile under the development program, reinforcing the assumption that the images from the operation represent the first publicly acknowledged operational use of this model.
Forward-swept wings: additional indicators
Alongside the black missile, video footage showed missiles with forward-swept wings, a feature believed to contribute to reduced radar signature and improved stability during low-altitude flight. Some observers speculated that certain missiles might be Israeli long-range variants, such as the “Popeye Turbo.” However, this possibility appears less likely given the available evidence.
