Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine would be a major political and military signal. However, their practical impact would be limited without compatible launch platforms, says Konstantin Kryvolap, a Ukrainian aviation expert, UNIAN reports.
With such weapons, Ukraine will be able to strike deep into the Russian rear. Currently, Russia shows no sign that it wants to stop the war, instead increasing civilian terror. The Tomahawk could become a weighty factor that forces Russia to sit down at the negotiating table.
On 28 September, Vice‑President J. D. Vance said the US Donald Trump administration is considering Tomahawk transfers to Kyiv, but any final decision will be made by the American president.
The Tomahawks were used in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Iran. They are precision missiles with up to 2,500 km range, a warhead of roughly 450 kg, and advanced guidance.
History of launch platforms and the role of allies
Kryvolap explained that the Tomahawk is a missile that can be launched from air, land, and sea systems.
“When the INF Treaty between Reagan and Gorbachev on the elimination of intermediate‑ and shorter‑range missiles was signed, the Tomahawk then had a range of 2,500 km. It was considered a medium‑range missile. Back then, they destroyed all Tomahawk ground launchers,” he said.
Krivolap added that naval basing launch platforms remained. After that, the Tomahawk’s range was reduced to 1,600 km.
At the same time, he noted that about five years ago, Germany began considering restoring land‑based Tomahawk models using American blueprints, but in fact, nothing was done.
“Then, about a year and a half ago, the Germans again took up this issue, and there was a report that they intend to make land‑based Tomahawk launchers,” he added.
In Krivolap’s view, transferring Tomahawks to Ukraine is, most likely, an important political issue in relations with the United States.
He also added that if allies help fund Ukraine’s “Flamingo” program, it would be a missile more powerful than the Tomahawk.
To make a Flamingo missile, pack in old bombs & add a tiny engine
“However, the Tomahawk is a rather unique missile with a terrain‑contour matching navigation system, very precise, very effective, capable of overwhelming many air‑defense systems,” Kryvolap clarified.