U.S. Tomahawk Missiles Could Expand Ukraine’s Strike Range

Moscow, September 30, 2025 — Russia said on Monday that its military is assessing the implications of a potential U.S. decision to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine. Russian officials warned that providing these long-range weapons could escalate the conflict, allowing Ukraine to target deep inside Russian territory.

The Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is a precision-guided, long-range cruise missile capable of striking targets up to 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) away, even in heavily defended airspace. Measuring 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length with an 8.5-foot wingspan and weighing approximately 3,330 pounds (1,510 kilograms), Tomahawks are typically launched from naval vessels but can also be deployed from land platforms.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The U.S. manufacturer, Raytheon Technologies, produces the non-nuclear Tomahawk. According to Pentagon budget data, the U.S. plans to purchase 57 missiles in 2026, each costing about $1.3 million. Upgrades to guidance systems and other components are underway, with millions being invested to enhance the missile’s effectiveness. Tomahawks have seen combat use in the Middle East, including U.S. and U.K. Navy strikes against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen.

If supplied to Ukraine, Tomahawk missiles would significantly expand Kyiv’s strike capabilities, allowing attacks on Russian military bases, logistics hubs, airfields, and command centers that are currently out of reach.

Ukraine’s Existing Missile Arsenal

Ukraine already operates a mix of domestic and Western-supplied long-range missiles:

• Flamingo: Developed by Ukrainian company Fire Point, this missile has a range exceeding 1,000 miles. It was first used operationally in August 2025 and has been described by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as Ukraine’s most successful weapon.

• Neptune: An anti-ship missile unveiled in 2015, with subsequent versions capable of ranges just over 600 miles.

• Harpoon: A U.S.-made anti-ship missile by Boeing, featuring radar homing and low-altitude flight to evade defenses. It has a range of 75 nautical miles and can be launched from ships, submarines, aircraft, or coastal batteries.

• ATACMS: The U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile System can reach up to 190 miles, depending on the model. It is a solid-fuel tactical ground-to-ground missile, about 4 meters long, launched from M270 MLRS or M142 HIMARS systems.

• Storm Shadow: A European cruise missile by MBDA with a range of 155 miles and a conventional warhead of 990 pounds.

The introduction of Tomahawk missiles into Ukraine’s arsenal could mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about potential retaliatory measures from Russia.

The U.S. has not officially confirmed plans to supply Tomahawks, and any decision will be closely watched by Moscow, NATO allies, and regional security observers.