The latest version of the Royal Navy's Tomahawk land attack missile (TLAM) has been declared operational - three months earlier than planned.

Used to arm submarines, the new Tomahawk Block IV missile is considerably more capable than its predecessors. It has a significantly reduced response time and can fly further, striking land targets from the sea up to one thousand miles away with even greater precision. They are able to re-target or safely abort in flight and can relay images en route. The missile was first successfully test fired from a Royal Navy submarine last June.

Baroness Taylor, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, said

"These missiles extend the Royal Navy's world class capability to deliver long range precision attacks covertly from submarines. This is a real boost to the Navy's firepower, and it is a testament to the hard work of MoD and industry that we are able to bring this into service early and within budget."

The Tomahawk missiles can be carried by Trafalgar Class attack submarines and will be deployed in the new Astute Class when they enter service. HMS Torbay is the first submarine to be operationally equipped with them.