Talk of Tomahawk missiles is reverberating in the ears of Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Donald Trump is contemplating supplying Ukraine with these precision-strike missiles. Since May, amidst various global conflicts, including bombings in Yemen and attacks on drug ships in the Caribbean, Trump suggests that Tomahawks could soon be airborne over Russia.
What potential targets are available for Ukraine’s Tomahawks, which boast a range of 1,000 miles? You could think about Tatarstan’s Shahed drone factory or perhaps at least 67 Russian air bases. In the right hands, these missiles could breach Russia’s energy infrastructure, launching strikes with surprising precision.
President Zelenskiy has proposed that Ukraine could exchange its drones for Tomahawk missiles, but Trump seems to weigh the implications of escalating tensions. He mentioned during a recent meeting with Zelensky at the White House that while he hopes such missiles aren’t needed—to “end the war without Tomahawks”—he acknowledges their potency, labeling them as “very dangerous.”
Tomahawks Are Designed for Russian Targets
The Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile, first tested in 1972, was initially created by the U.S. Navy for Cold War objectives against Soviet land targets. If you’ve ever seen a Tomahawk, it’s 20 feet long, but only 21 inches wide—almost like a skinny white pole with fins. Inside, it houses a powerful engine and advanced guidance systems. The latest Block IV variant can change targets mid-air and can loiter above them, scanning for the right moment to strike. It’s built to either deliver a single warhead for precision or scatter cluster munitions over larger areas, like airfields.
A Challenge for Air Defense
The introduction of Tomahawks into Ukraine’s arsenal presents a considerable dilemma for Putin regarding air defense. There’s no way Russia can protect every remote gas pipeline or all air bases where aircraft are stationed outdoors.
Rapid Deployment is Possible
These missiles could land in Ukraine in under 24 hours, thanks to the U.S. Army’s Intermediate Range Capability Missile System, which can be transported via Air Force cargo planes. It’s noteworthy that the Army has already deployed TLAM systems on the northern island of Luzon in the Philippines.
Since August, Ukraine has intensified drone operations targeting Russian energy resources, which are critical for Putin’s revenue. Ukrainian drones have successfully focused on numerous pumping stations and refineries, showing that adding Tomahawks could raise the pressure on Russia significantly. President Zelenskyy even referred to these drone attacks as one of the most effective forms of sanctions.
No Shortage of Tomahawks
The U.S. maintains a stockpile of about 4,000 Tomahawks, ensuring that a supply remains available for future use. Meanwhile, the Navy is rolling out newer systems like the SM-6, and a new long-range hypersonic weapon, the Dark Eagle, was recently deployed in Australia.
Notable Combat History
Tomahawks have a remarkable combat history, being used in numerous operations starting from the Gulf War in 1991 to more recent conflicts involving Iraq, Libya, and Syria. They’ve struck vital locations including missile facilities and nuclear sites, showing their efficacy over the decades.
While Putin might express concerns about the potential of Ukrainian Tomahawks, it’s worth noting that he frequently criticizes various weapon systems without significant consequence. Despite any bluster, he’s unlikely to escalate nuclear options due to the geopolitical risks it poses. As Trump stated recently, while tensions may be rising, discussions will still proceed.
