Overview of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile

The Tomahawk cruise missile is an important weapon system for military operations across the globe. Its impressive range offers to pinpoint accuracy, making it a reliable and effective strategic tool for any mission. In this guide, we'll explore the capabilities and history of the Tomahawk cruise missile, from its development to its current uses.

What is the Tomahawk Cruise Missile?
 

The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is a long-range, all-weather, jet-powered, subsonic cruise missile that is primarily used by the United States Navy and Royal Navy in ship and submarine-based land-attack operations.The missile has been in operation since the 1980s. It has been widely used in military operations worldwide, ranging from conflicts in the Middle East to deployments in Eastern Europe during the Cold War.

What Capabilities Does It Have?
 

The Tomahawk is capable of delivering powerful payloads up to 900 miles away. It can be fired from surface ships and submarines, making it useful for operations in multiple environments. The cruise missile's guidance system is semi-autonomous, allowing it to fly low to avoid detection and hit a target with pinpoint accuracy. Additionally, the Tomahawk can be re-tasked mid-flight and comes in multiple variants with different capabilities for targeting or launching defence systems.

A Brief History of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile
 

The Tomahawk cruise missile was first developed in the late 1970s by the United States Navy. Since its introduction, it has seen extensive utilization worldwide in various militaries, from the United Kingdom to Australia. In the early 2000s, it saw increased popularity due to its long-range and low-profile capabilities. Today, it remains one of the most widely utilized weapons systems available and is still used by many modern navies.

Recent Military Operations Using the Tomahawk
 

The Tomahawk cruise missile has been employed in a number of significant operations over the past two decades. In 2011, U.S. Navy ships fired over 110 Tomahawks in response to the civil unrest in Libya. In 2015, Tomahawks were again used against Islamic State targets in Syria and Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. Additionally, in April 2018, 105 Tomahawks were fired on Syrian military targets as a joint effort between the U.S., U.K. and France.

Pros and Cons of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile
 

The Tomahawk cruise missile offers a range of advantages to military operators. It is extremely accurate, and its long-range capabilities make it an ideal weapon for hitting remote targets without needing a fighter plane or bomber. Additionally, because it is programmable, Tomahawks can be used for precision strikes with excellent results. On the other hand, the Tomahawk's high cost and limited payload make it best suited for specific missions where accuracy and low collateral damage are vital objectives.