US-Made Tomahawk Missiles Offer Ukraine Long-Range Strike Capability, But Deployment Faces Hurdles
WASHINGTON - The United States’ tomahawk cruise missile, a combat-proven weapon with a history spanning over three decades, represents a potential game-changer for Ukraine’s ability to strike targets deep within Russia. Though, logistical challenges currently limit Kyiv’s access to the powerful system, despite ongoing discussions with American defense manufacturers.
The Tomahawk first saw action in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm, with 122 missiles launched against Iraqi defenses in the conflict’s opening days. Since then, it has been deployed in precision strikes across the Balkans, Afghanistan (1998), Yemen, Libya, and Syria, with the latest iteration-featuring improved electronics and extended range-entering service in 2021. While primarily a sea-launched missile, Ukraine would require a ground-based launcher, known as Typhoon, to utilize the system.
The Typhoon system was developed following the U.S. withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear forces Treaty with Russia in 2019, a move prompted by alleged Russian violations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism regarding Ukraine’s domestically-developed Flamingo cruise missile, which is reported to have a comparable range to the Tomahawk, but its capabilities remain largely unknown and production capacity is limited.
Currently, Ukraine’s most pressing need remains bolstering its air defenses against Russia’s escalating missile and drone attacks. Zelensky recently met with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon in Washington, exploring a potential “mega contract” valued at approximately $90 billion for weapons purchases.While the Tomahawk offers a path to long-range strikes, overcoming deployment hurdles and securing sufficient air defense systems are critical for Ukraine’s immediate defense.
