Officially known as BGM-109 TomahawkThe primary cruise missile – in fact, the definitive missile – of the US military is a long-range, all-weather subsonic weapon that is primarily used by the US military. Originally developed by General Dynamics (now Raytheon), the Tomahawk has become iconic in the American arsenal for its precision, versatility, longevity, lethality and, therefore, its enhancement of our strategic capabilities.

Yet as the war in Ukraine rages and other crises in the Middle East and Asia expand America’s attention and resource base, Raytheon executives insist they will Soon. develop production of the famous Tomahawk cruise missile by an astonishing “sextuple”.

But first let’s return to the genesis of the Tomahawk cruise missile. It was the 1970s. The Bell Bottoms and disco were all the rage. The country was still dealing with the aftermath of the Vietnam War. More importantly, the Cold War between the USSR and the United States was raging. Needing an improved cruise missile to replace the aging Harpoon, General Dynamics created the Tomahawk.

The Tomahawk was designed to expand the long-range capability of the US Navy. The missile takes its name from the Native American axe, believed to symbolize precision strike capability. Since it was introduced for the first time In 1983, the Tomahawks proved to be one of the most pervasive defenses in the United States. Current variants of the Tomahawk now include improved GPS and integration.

A Tomahawk missile itself weighs approximately 3,000 pounds and measures approximately twenty feet in length. Its diameter is 20.4 inches and its wingspan is 8.6 feet. This bird travels at a subsonic speed of about 550 miles per hour (Mach 0.72). As for the range of these weapons, how about 1,000 nautical miles, with some Tomahawk models exceeding 1,500?

The details

The Tomahawk uses a turbofan engine, which provides stealth and efficiency. The missile offers both stealth and effectiveness. By using GPS, the Tomahawk ensures that it can strike deep into the Earth.

Tomahawk cruise missiles enhance strategic deterrence because their long-range precision strike capability serves (or rather, has served) as a deterrent against potential aggressors. As these missiles can be launched from a variety of platforms, US naval power is enhanced. Furthermore, the United States can demonstrate its intent without ever actually escalating into conflict, by providing a measured response.

Unfortunately, the Tomahawk is no longer the dominant system it once was. In fact, America’s enemies have worked or are actively working to find ways to weaken the United States.

Brandon J. Weicherta national security project of national interest analystis a former congressman and geopolitical analyst who contributes to The Washington Times, Asia Times, and The-Pipeline. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacking: the Chinese race to control lifeAnd The shadow war: Iran’s quest for supremacy. His next book, A disaster of our own making: how the West lost Ukraineis available for purchase wherever books are sold. Weichert can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.