Post by : Rameen Ariff

Russia is closely monitoring reports that the United States may supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, a move that Russian officials warn could escalate tensions significantly. If provided, these long-range missiles would allow Ukraine to strike deep inside Russian territory, targeting military bases, command centers, logistics hubs, and airfields that are currently out of reach.

The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is a precision-guided, long-range cruise missile typically launched from sea platforms. Capable of hitting targets up to 1,000 miles (1,600 km) away, the Tomahawk is designed to operate even in heavily defended airspace. Each missile measures 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length, has an 8.5-foot wingspan, and weighs approximately 3,330 pounds (1,510 kg).

Produced by Raytheon Technologies, the non-nuclear Tomahawk can be launched from ships, submarines, or land platforms. According to Pentagon budget plans, the U.S. intends to purchase 57 missiles in 2026, each costing around $1.3 million. Efforts are also underway to upgrade the missile’s guidance and targeting systems to enhance accuracy and effectiveness.

Tomahawk missiles have been tested and used in combat by the U.S. and allied forces, including strikes against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen, demonstrating their operational reliability and long-range precision.

How Tomahawks Compare to Ukraine’s Current Arsenal

Ukraine currently relies on a mix of domestically made and Western-supplied long-range missiles:

1. Flamingo: Developed by Ukraine’s Fire Point, with a range over 1,000 miles, recently used successfully in combat.
2. Neptune: An anti-ship missile with a range of around 600 miles, in service since 2015.
3. Harpoon: U.S.-made anti-ship missile with active radar guidance and a range of 75 nautical miles.
4. ATACMS: A U.S. tactical ballistic missile with a range up to 190 miles, launched from MLRS or HIMARS systems.
5. Storm Shadow: European MBDA cruise missile with a 155-mile range and a 990-pound conventional warhead.

Providing Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would significantly enhance its strike capabilities, giving Kyiv the ability to carry out precision attacks far beyond the reach of its current missile arsenal.

The potential transfer of Tomahawks represents a major development in the ongoing conflict, with global attention focused on how it could shift the balance of power and increase the intensity of military operations in the region.

#world news #Global News