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Iraq

Tomahawk Cruise Missiles Prove Effective in Strikes Against Iraq

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

U.S. military leaders are once again showcasing the success of Tomahawk cruise missiles in strikes against Iraq, citing technological upgrades that have improved the weapon's accuracy and decreased its vulnerability to enemy fire. The missiles, employing a satellite navigation system, received continuous guidance from 24 orbiting satellites, allowing them to stay on target. Additionally, they used an older guidance system that relied on recognizing landmarks, although this had previously proven problematic in desert environments.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from Navy ships in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday as part of Operation Desert Fox, with a second air attack including Tomahawks and Conventional Air Launched Cruise Missiles (CALCM) the next day.
  • General Henry H. Shelton reported that many of the strikes were successful, hitting more than 50 targets, but acknowledged that some missiles were not as accurate.
  • Tomahawk missiles are approximately 18 feet long, launched from ships or submarines, and employ a rocket engine to gain altitude, followed by a jet engine for propulsion.
  • The missiles can travel up to 1,000 miles and are designed to carry conventional 1,000-pound warheads, as well as a terrain-hugging navigation system that has been upgraded to include Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance.
  • The Air Force has approximately 250 CALCMs, which are manufactured by Boeing Co. in Seattle, and are estimated to cost around $1.1 million each.
  • The original design of both cruise missiles included nuclear warheads, but with the end of the Cold War, conventional warheads have been added to maintain long-range capability.
  • According to a senior analyst at the Center for Defense Information, the Navy recognized the difficulties in stopping cruise missiles early on, and that the Tomahawk's accuracy and reliability have been disputed since initial use.
  • Analysts have highlighted the limitations of the older guidance system, which led to some missiles crashing into buildings and a swimming pool during the Gulf War.

Statistics:

  • Over 200 Tomahawks were launched from Navy ships on Wednesday as part of Operation Desert Fox.
  • More than 50 targets were hit in the first wave of strikes.
  • Tomahawks are approximately 18 feet long.
  • The missiles can travel up to 1,000 miles.
  • Tomahawks carry conventional 1,000-pound warheads.
  • Raytheon Systems Co. manufactures Tomahawks at a cost of $750,000 per missile.
  • The Air Force has approximately 250 CALCMs.
  • CALCMs are approximately 21 feet long and carry 2,000- and 3,000-pound warheads.
  • Boeing Co. manufactures CALCMs in Seattle.
  • CALCMs cost around $1.1 million each.

Sources:

  • The Philadelphia Inquirer, 1998.
  • Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.
  • Forecast International/DMS, a space and defense market research firm in Massachusetts.
  • The Teal Group, a Washington defense and aerospace consulting firm.
  • The Center for Defense Information in Washington.

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