What Are Tomahawk Missiles Used By US To Strike Iran's Nuclear Sites? Explained
Tomahawk missile is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile designed to deliver precision strikes against high-value land and sea targets
The United States (US) on Sunday struck Iran's nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan using B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles.
Fox News host Sean Hannity, who said he had spoken directly with President Donald Trump following the US airstrikes, said six bunker-busting B-2 bombs were dropped on Iran's underground Fordow facility by B-2 stealth bombers. Meanwhile, 30 Tomahawk missiles were launched from US submarines located about 400 miles away, targeting the nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan.
WHAT IS TOMAHAWK MISSILE?
It is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile designed to deliver precision strikes against high-value land and sea targets. It is used primarily by the US Navy and also the UK Royal Navy. They cover a range of 1,600 to 2,500 km. Their launch platforms include ships or submarines.
Tomahawks use a combination of:
GPS (Global Positioning System)
INS (Inertial Navigation System)
TERCOM (Terrain Contour Matching)
DSMAC (Digital Scene-Matching Area Correlation)
This makes them capable of flying at low altitudes and navigating complex terrain to avoid detection and reach their target with high precision.
They are valued for their ability to strike from long distances with minimal risk to human pilots.
HOW ARE THEY LAUNCHED?
Tomahawk missiles work by using a combination of advanced guidance systems, low-flying stealthy flight, and precision targeting to strike long-range land or sea targets.
They are launched from surface ships (like destroyers or cruisers) using Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) or submarines (through torpedo tubes or VLS). Missile is ejected using a solid rocket booster. Booster then separates after launch. A turbofan engine takes over for sustained, subsonic flight
Once airborne, the missile flies autonomously using a mix of navigation systems. The missile can fly at very low altitudes, using terrain-following techniques to avoid radar detection.
Block IV and V missiles can be retargeted in-flight using satellite data links. They can also loiter (circle) near the target area if needed until final strike confirmation.
As the missile approaches the target, it increases precision using DSMAC and GPS. It files a predefined flight profile. It then delivers its warhead (typically a 450 kg conventional explosive or specialised payload).
Impact: Tomahawks are designed for high-value stationary targets, infrastructure (airfields, radar sites, bunkers) and naval vessels (in latest Block V Maritime Strike variants).
HOW MANY TOMAHAWK MISSILES DOES US HAVE?
The United States maintains a stockpile of approximately 4,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles in its inventory. In its January 2024 audit, the US Navy held around 3,757 missile of the modern Block IV and V variants.
Location :
Mumbai, India, India
First Published:
June 22, 2025, 13:39 IST
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