As the United States joins the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, it has once again turned to its trusted long-range weapon—the Tomahawk cruise missile. On June 22, the US Navy launched 30 Tomahawk missiles from submarines stationed 400 miles away, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, echoing its 2017 strike on Syria’s Shayrat Airbase.
🚀 What Is a Tomahawk Missile?
The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is a subsonic, long-range cruise missile developed by the US Navy and used extensively since the 1991 Gulf War. Designed for precision strikes against high-value land targets, it can be launched from ships or submarines and is capable of navigating complex terrain at low altitudes to evade radar detection.
🔍 Key Features
- Range: 1,600–2,500 km
- Speed: ~880 km/h (subsonic)
- Length: 5.6 meters (18.4 feet)
- Warhead: 450–1,000 kg (conventional or cluster munitions)
- Guidance Systems: GPS, Inertial Navigation System (INS), TERCOM, and DSMAC
- Launch Platforms: Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) on destroyers, cruisers, and submarines
Modern variants like Block IV and V can be retargeted mid-flight, loiter near targets, and strike with pinpoint accuracy.
🧠 Why the US Uses Tomahawks
Tomahawks are favored for their stealth, precision, and stand-off capability, allowing the US to strike from hundreds of kilometers away without risking pilots. Their non-linear flight paths make them difficult to intercept, and their combat record includes operations in Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and Syria.
“They don’t necessarily go from point A to point B in a straight line. They take a circumnavigation route so they can’t be shot down,” said retired US Army Maj. Gen. James “Spider” Marks.
🌍 Strategic Impact
The use of Tomahawks in the current conflict signals a calculated escalation by Washington, showcasing its ability to deliver surgical strikes while minimizing troop involvement. Iran has condemned the strikes as “savage military aggression,” warning of “grave consequences”.
Stay tuned for updates on Operation Midnight Hammer and regional security developments.
