When it comes to precision-guided munitions, few weapons evoke the same level of respect and awe as the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM). For decades, the Tomahawk has been a staple of the US military’s arsenal, providing a powerful and flexible option for attacking high-priority targets from the sea. But does the US military still use Tomahawks? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Tomahawk, its capabilities, and its ongoing role in modern military operations.
A Brief History of the Tomahawk
The Tomahawk missile has its roots in the 1970s, when the US Navy began exploring options for a new, long-range, subsonic cruise missile. The program, dubbed “Tomahawk,” was initially focused on developing a nuclear-tipped weapon capable of striking Soviet naval assets. However, as the Cold War draws to a close, the program’s focus shifted to developing a conventionally armed variant.
The first TLAM was deployed in 1984, with the USS Merrill (DD-976) becoming the first ship to fire a Tomahawk in a combat scenario during Operation Prairie Fire in 1991. The weapon’s success in this and subsequent operations led to its widespread adoption throughout the US Navy, with over 1,000 Tomahawks deployed by the mid-1990s.
Capabilites of the Tomahawk
So, what makes the Tomahawk such a formidable weapon? Here are just a few of its key capabilities:
Range and Accuracy
The Tomahawk boasts an impressive range of over 1,000 nautical miles, making it an ideal weapon for striking targets deep within enemy territory. Its terrain-following radar and GPS guidance system enable the missile to fly at extremely low altitudes, making it difficult to intercept. This, combined with its accuracy of around 10 meters, makes the Tomahawk an extremely reliable and deadly weapon.
Warhead Options
One of the Tomahawk’s greatest strengths is its flexibility. The weapon can be fitted with a variety of warheads, including:
- A 1,000-pound blast-fragmentation warhead, ideal for targeting hardened bunkers and command centers.
- A submunitions warhead, which disperses smaller bomblets over a wide area, making it effective against soft targets such as troop formations and air defense systems.
- A penetrating warhead, designed to destroy hardened targets such as command centers and underground bunkers.
Launch Platform Flexibility
Tomahawks can be launched from a variety of platforms, including:
- Surface ships: The Tomahawk is a staple of the US Navy’s surface fleet, with virtually every destroyer, cruiser, and amphibious assault ship capable of launching the weapon.
- Submarines: The Tomahawk is also deployed on US Navy submarines, providing a stealthy and unpredictable launch platform.
- Vertical Launch Systems (VLS): The Tomahawk can be launched from VLS cells on surface ships and submarines, providing a rapid and reliable launch capability.
The Tomahawk in Modern Military Operations
Despite its age, the Tomahawk remains a vital component of the US military’s arsenal. Here are just a few examples of the weapon’s ongoing role in modern military operations:
Libya and Syria
In 2011, the Tomahawk played a key role in Operation Odyssey Dawn, the US-led intervention in Libya. Over 200 Tomahawks were launched against Libyan air defense systems, command centers, and other high-priority targets. The weapon was also used in subsequent strikes against Syrian government targets in 2016 and 2018.
The War on Terror
The Tomahawk has been used extensively in the War on Terror, with the weapon employed against targets in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen. Its ability to strike high-priority targets from a safe distance has made it an attractive option for commanders operating in these theaters.
Upgrades and Modernization
The Tomahawk has undergone several upgrades and modernization programs over the years, ensuring it remains a relevant and effective weapon. Some of the key upgrades include:
The Block IV Upgrade
The Block IV upgrade, which began in the late 2000s, added a number of significant improvements to the Tomahawk, including:
- A new, more efficient engine, which increased the weapon’s range and endurance.
- An upgraded guidance system, which improved the weapon’s accuracy and reliability.
- A new, two-way communication system, which enables the missile to receive in-flight targeting updates.
The Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST)
The MST program, announced in 2019, aims to develop a new, sea-launched variant of the Tomahawk. The MST will feature a number of significant upgrades, including:
- A new, more powerful warhead, designed to penetrate advanced air defenses.
- An improved guidance system, which will enable the weapon to strike moving targets at sea.
- A longer range, which will enable the MST to strike targets deep in the littorals.
Conclusion
The Tomahawk remains an essential component of the US military’s arsenal, providing a flexible, reliable, and deadly option for striking high-priority targets from the sea. Its ongoing role in modern military operations, combined with continued modernization and upgrade programs, ensure the Tomahawk will remain a key player in US military strategy for years to come.
So, to answer the question: yes, the US military still uses Tomahawks, and will likely continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
What is a Tomahawk?
The Tomahawk is a subsonic cruise missile designed to attack high-priority land targets at long range, including hardened or deeply buried bunkers. It is a type of air-launched cruise missile, meaning it is launched from an aircraft, but it flies at low altitudes and uses terrain-following radar to navigate.
The Tomahawk is 20.5 feet long and weighs around 3,500 pounds, with a wingspan of 8.5 feet. It has a modular design, which allows it to be equipped with different warheads, such as nuclear, conventional, or submunitions. This versatility makes it a valuable asset in the US military’s arsenal.
How does the Tomahawk work?
The Tomahawk is launched from a variety of aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet and the B-52 Stratofortress. Once airborne, it uses a combination of GPS and terrain-following radar to navigate to its target. The radar system allows the missile to fly at extremely low altitudes, making it difficult to detect and intercept.
The Tomahawk’s guidance system is highly accurate, with some versions reportedly having a circular error probable (CEP) of as low as 10 meters. This means that the missile is capable of hitting its target with extreme precision, making it an effective weapon against hardened or deeply buried targets.
What is the range of the Tomahawk?
The range of the Tomahawk varies depending on the specific model, but it is generally capable of flying over 1,500 kilometers (932 miles). This makes it an effective weapon for attacking targets deep within enemy territory, without putting the launching aircraft at risk.
Some versions of the Tomahawk have an even longer range, approaching 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles). This allows it to be launched from safe distances and still reach high-priority targets.
How is the Tomahawk deployed?
The Tomahawk is typically deployed from aircraft carriers or other naval vessels. The launching aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Hornet, carries the missile on a pylon under its wing. When the aircraft reaches the launch point, the missile is released and its motor ignites, propelling it towards its target.
Tomahawks can also be launched from submarines, using a vertical launch system (VLS). This allows the submarine to remain undetected while launching the missile, making it a valuable asset in covert operations.
What types of targets can the Tomahawk attack?
The Tomahawk is designed to attack high-priority land targets, including hardened or deeply buried bunkers. Its ability to fly at low altitudes and navigate through narrow canyons makes it an effective weapon against targets deep within urban areas.
The Tomahawk can also be used to attack surface ships, making it a valuable asset in naval warfare. Its accuracy and range make it an effective weapon against even the most heavily defended targets.
Has the Tomahawk been used in combat?
Yes, the Tomahawk has been used in combat several times since its introduction in the 1980s. One of its earliest uses was in the Gulf War, where it was used to attack Iraqi command and control centers.
The Tomahawk has also been used in subsequent conflicts, including the Kosovo War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. Its accuracy and range make it a valuable asset in modern warfare, and it continues to be an important part of the US military’s arsenal.
What is the future of the Tomahawk?
The Tomahawk is currently undergoing modernization efforts, with the goal of extending its service life until the 2040s. The US Navy is also exploring the development of new variants, including a hypersonic version that could fly at speeds of up to Mach 5.
The Tomahawk’s continued relevance in modern warfare is a testament to its effectiveness and versatility as a weapon. As the US military continues to adapt to emerging threats, the Tomahawk is likely to remain an important part of its arsenal for years to come.