The historical usage of American-made Stinger missiles during the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s demonstrated how a single weapon could drastically alter the balance of power. These missiles enabled Afghan fighters to down Soviet helicopters and planes, marking a significant turning point in the conflict. Could a similar scenario unfold in Ukraine if Kyiv achieves its long-desired goal of acquiring American Tomahawk missiles?
If Washington decides to provide Ukraine with these missiles, it would signify a substantial enhancement of Ukraine’s offensive capabilities, allowing it to target military assets or infrastructure deep within Russian territory—a weapon that has been a cornerstone of American military strength for decades, as highlighted by The New York Times.
Former President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, thereby granting President Volodymyr Zelensky the capacity to strike Moscow with high-precision munitions.
Trump, who is scheduled to meet with Zelensky at the White House this week, stated on Tuesday, “We have plenty of Tomahawk missiles,” indicating his willingness to supply them to Kyiv.
The Tomahawk is a cruise missile characterized by its small jet engine and wing design, enabling it to fly like an aircraft and navigate autonomously toward its target. It was developed in the 1970s and saw its first combat use during the Gulf War in 1991, having since been deployed in numerous conflicts.
As one of the most frequently utilized weapons in the U.S. Department of Defense’s arsenal for over four decades, Tomahawk missiles are valued for their long range, high accuracy, and relatively low cost compared to fighter jets. The U.S. has launched over 2,300 Tomahawk missiles in combat operations since the 1980s, with the latest version priced around $2.5 million.
Range and Capabilities
Tomahawk missiles have a range exceeding 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles)—meaning they could theoretically strike Moscow from Kyiv, as the two cities are approximately 800 kilometers apart.
The missile flies at low altitudes to evade radar detection and reaches speeds of about 550 miles per hour (around 70% of the speed of sound).
Launch and Use
Typically, Tomahawk missiles are launched from American ships and submarines via small rocket boosters that elevate them to the appropriate altitude before their wings deploy and their flight commences. Recently, the U.S. military developed a new ground-launching system known as “Typhon,” which is a standard 40-foot shipping container featuring four launch tubes that can elevate the missiles for vertical launch.
This system was first tested in 2023 and has since been deployed in the Philippines, Australia, and Japan as part of military deterrence efforts following the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty between Washington and Moscow in 2019.
What This Means for Ukraine
If Kyiv acquires this system, it would have a longer range than any U.S. weapon it has received to date. It is anticipated that Ukrainian forces would require minimal training, having quickly adapted to operating American systems like HIMARS.
Warhead
Most Tomahawk missiles are equipped with conventional warheads weighing about 400 pounds of TNT, but some versions are designed with cluster munitions or specialized payloads intended to disrupt electrical networks using fine carbon fibers that cause short circuits. The nuclear variant was retired in 2013.
Guidance and Accuracy
Tomahawk missiles utilize a combination of topographical maps, digital images, and GPS to navigate with high precision. They can alter their trajectory during flight to avoid air defenses or obstacles before reaching their targets.