The American “Tomahawk” missiles are a symbol of modern military power and Washington’s effective tool for imposing its influence. Its name has been associated with the precise strikes with which the United States launches most of its major conflicts since the 1991 Gulf War.
These missiles, produced by Raytheon, are characterized by high technical capabilities that make them an “unmissable” weapon. Among their most important features are high accuracy and long range, as their range reaches about 1,600 kilometers (and perhaps up to 2,500 kilometers in some models), which makes it possible to strike strategic targets inside enemy territory from naval or land platforms. It is also characterized by its ability to stealth and evade, as it flies at very low altitudes above the surface of the sea or land, which makes it difficult for radars and air defense systems to detect, with the ability to change its course during flight to avoid obstacles.
The latest versions (Block V) rely on advanced technology that includes satellite guidance systems and advanced communications that allow it to be reprogrammed in flight, or made to hover over the target for a period before destroying it.
The cost of one missile is approximately $1.3 million, and with increased consumption in current conflicts, Washington is seeking to increase the production rate to 1,000 missiles per year to meet the challenges of the diminishing “stock.”
