Why Giving Ukraine Tomahawk Missiles Could Be a Game-Changer in the Russia War
President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will discuss long-range Tomahawk missiles when they meet at the White House on Friday. The potential sale of these missiles has sparked intense debate and could significantly impact the ongoing conflict.
The Impact of Tomahawk Missiles
If the U.S. agrees to sell Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, it would be a strategic move with far-reaching consequences. These missiles have a much longer range than the current U.S. missiles provided to Ukraine, enabling deeper strikes and potentially reaching Moscow. This capability could shift the balance of power in the conflict.
Tomahawk Missiles: A Deep Dive
Tomahawk missiles are subsonic cruise missiles, typically launched from U.S. Navy ships and submarines. They have a history of carrying nuclear payloads, but for Ukraine, land-based launch systems would be necessary. The U.S. Army has introduced a land-based launcher called Typhon, which raises concerns about potential depletion of U.S. missile stocks.
These missiles are substantial, measuring around 18.2 feet in length and weighing approximately 2,900 pounds at launch. Each missile costs a staggering $1.3 million. Raytheon, a U.S. defense company, is the sole manufacturer of Tomahawk missiles, and they have been used extensively by the U.S. and its allies.
A Brief History of Tomahawk Missiles
The development of sea-launched cruise missiles began in the 1970s, with the goal of flying at subsonic speeds at low altitudes to evade radar detection. Over the past 50 years, these missiles have undergone several renovations and upgrades, with the Block II version used in the 1980s and the Block III arriving in 1993. The latest upgrade, the Block IV, was introduced in the early 2000s.
The Intrigue: Missile Generation
The question remains: which generation of Tomahawk missiles will Ukraine receive? Older versions may be more vulnerable to Russian air defense systems, and this uncertainty adds complexity to the discussion.
Who Uses Tomahawk Missiles?
Only a few nations possess Tomahawk missiles, with the United States and the United Kingdom as the primary carriers. Japan recently agreed to purchase up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the U.S., and Australia and the Netherlands have also acquired these missiles.
When Are Tomahawk Missiles Used?
Tomahawk missiles are typically employed when the U.S. wants to conduct long-range strikes. In 2017, Trump launched 50-60 Tomahawk missiles against Syria, targeting an airfield near Homs. More recently, in 2024, the U.S. and the U.K. launched attacks on Houthi rebel sites in Yemen. Operation Midnight Hammer, a surprise U.S. military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, also utilized dozens of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs).
Range and Comparison
Tomahawk missiles can travel an impressive distance of 1,250-2,500 kilometers (777-1552 miles). This range is equivalent to the distance between New York City and Charleston, South Carolina, or Boston and Oklahoma City. Critics argue that the 2,500-kilometer peak range is an exception and may not be realistic, but even the lower end would place Moscow within range of the Ukrainian border.
Tomahawk Missiles vs. Other Missiles
The U.S. has authorized Ukraine to use the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which are short-range ballistic missiles with a range of 300 kilometers. Ukraine also has U.S.-supplied Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles, capable of reaching 240-450 kilometers. In comparison, the Storm Shadow and Scalp cruise missiles have a range of 155 miles.
Trump's Stance and Future Summit
Trump has expressed his willingness to provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, but he has also suggested discussing the matter with Russia. This dual approach has raised eyebrows, and it remains to be seen how this will unfold. Additionally, Trump has announced a second summit with Putin on Ukraine in Budapest, further adding to the intrigue surrounding this complex geopolitical situation.
