US President Donald Trump reportedly told Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky that Washington so far has no plans to provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine and should make a deal with Moscow.
Zelensky did not rule out Trump changing his mind again in the future and said: “It’s good that President Trump didn’t say ‘no,’ but for today, (he) didn’t say ‘yes'” to providing Kyiv with Tomahawks, Zelensky told US broadcaster NBC on Friday.
After meeting Zelensky, Trump said on social media that their talks were “very interesting and cordial, but I told him, as I likewise strongly suggested to President Putin, that it is time to stop the killing and make a DEAL!”
“They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!” he posted online, while flying to his Florida estate.
Upon landing, he told reporters that Ukraine and Russia should “stop right now at the battle line.” “Go by the battle line wherever it is, or else it gets too complicated,” he added.
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Zelensky, meanwhile, said after the meeting that Moscow was “afraid” of Tomahawk missiles and that he was “realistic” about receiving the weapons from Washington.
He told reporters that while he and Trump discussed long-range weapons, they “decided that we don’t speak about it because… the United States doesn’t want escalation.”
Tomahawks: Deadly Precision Missiles
The Tomahawk missile, a long-range, subsonic cruise missile designed for all-weather operations, was developed in the 1970s to meet the needs of modern warfare.
Renowned for its advanced engineering, precision, and adaptability, the Tomahawk remains one of the world’s most powerful weapons.
Manufactured by Raytheon (RTX Corporation), this missile is primarily built to strike high-value, well-defended land targets, such as command bunkers, airfields, and critical infrastructure.
Its versatility allows it to be launched from surface vessels, submarines, and, in some cases, ground-based platforms. The Block III/IV variant boasts a range of approximately 1,600 kilometers, while the newer Block V version extends its reach to over 1,800 kilometers.
Designed for precision, the Tomahawk delivers a potent payload over vast distances with exceptional accuracy, enabling standoff attacks that reduce risk in modern battlefields dominated by sophisticated air defense systems.
The Block IV missile includes a two-way datalink, allowing in-flight target reprogramming and extended loitering capabilities. Meanwhile, the Block V variant introduces cutting-edge technology, enabling it to strike moving maritime targets while maintaining a low-altitude flight path to avoid enemy radar detection.
Both Block IV and V missiles can redirect to new targets mid-flight, loiter over designated areas, or capture imagery for battle damage assessment. Continuous upgrades have enhanced the Tomahawk’s effectiveness, with over a dozen variants introduced since its inception, focusing on improved range, accuracy, and versatility.
It integrates seamlessly with systems like Aegis-equipped ships and networked command platforms for coordinated strikes. The Tomahawk’s operational prowess stems from its low-altitude flight, terrain-following radar, and ability to loiter like an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), evading radar detection.
Capable of causing significant destruction, the missile creates explosive craters up to 20 feet wide and carries a standard warhead weighing around 450 kilograms, making it a formidable weapon.
Its precision is underscored by a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 meters or less, ensuring strikes within a 10-meter radius of the target.
The Tomahawk has seen action in conflicts such as the 1991 Gulf War, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria. In 2023, Raytheon secured a $1.4 billion U.S. Navy contract to produce and upgrade Block IV and V missiles through 2028, ensuring their enduring battlefield relevance.
By ET Online Desk with AFP Inputs
