Sept 29 (Reuters) – Russia said on Monday that its military was analyzing whether the United States would supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine for strikes deep into Russia, a step that Russian officials say could trigger a steep escalation.
Supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine could significantly expand its strike capabilities, enabling it to hit targets deep inside Russian territory, including military bases, logistics hubs, airfields and command centers that are currently beyond reach.
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WHAT MAKES TOMAHAWK MISSILES SO POWERFUL?
The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile is a long-range cruise missile typically launched from sea to attack targets in deep-strike missions. The precision-guided Tomahawk cruise missile can strike targets from 1,000 miles (1,600 km) away, even in heavily defended airspace. The missile measures 20 feet (6.1 meters) long with an 8.5-foot wingspan and weighs about 3,330 pounds (1,510 kg).
COST AND PRODUCTION OF TOMAHAWK MISSILES
RECENT COMBAT USAGE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
U.S. and allied militaries have flight tested the GPS-enabled Tomahawk and used it in an operational environment including when the U.S. and U.K. Navies launched Tomahawk missiles at Houthi rebel sites in Yemen.
HOW TOMAHAWKS DIFFER FROM UKRAINE’S CURRENT MISSILES
Ukraine currently has several domestically made and Western-supplied long-range missiles:
Flamingo – Ukrainian company Fire Point recently developed the Flamingo missile, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has described as his country’s most successful weapon. It has a range of over 1,000 miles and Ukraine reported its first use in August 2025.
Neptune – Ukraine developed the Neptune anti-ship missile and unveiled it in 2015. Subsequent versions have a range of just over 600 miles.
Harpoon – Made by Boeing in the U.S., the Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile that uses active radar homing and flies just above the water to evade defense. It can be launched from ships, submarines, aircraft or coastal batteries and has a range of 75 nautical miles.
Storm Shadow Missiles – Made by Europe’s MBDA, these cruise missiles have a range of 155 miles with a conventional warhead of 990 pounds.
Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Lisa Shumaker