by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – The U.S. military’s heavy use of Tomahawk cruise missiles during the conflict with Iran is sharpening concerns in Washington over America’s ability to sustain long-range precision warfare while also preparing for future threats.
According to The Washington Times, Tomahawk missiles have played a major role in U.S. strikes against Iranian targets, underscoring the weapon’s importance as a stand-off option that allows American forces to hit heavily defended sites without placing pilots directly in harm’s way.
The concern is not simply that the missiles are being used, but how quickly they are being consumed. Reuters reported this week that the Navy awarded Raytheon a $22.9 billion, seven-year contract to boost Tomahawk production, as U.S. officials move to replenish weapons used in the Iran conflict and shore up future inventories.
Tomahawks have long been a centerpiece of American naval power, capable of striking targets deep inside enemy territory. The Navy describes the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile as a long-range cruise missile used by U.S. forces and allies for deep land-attack missions.
The Iran conflict has placed renewed pressure on U.S. defense manufacturing, particularly as America continues supporting allies and maintaining deterrence against China, Russia, and other adversaries. The Associated Press reported earlier this year that defense contractors could need at least three years to replenish key advanced weapons used heavily in the Iran war, including Tomahawks, Patriot missiles, and THAAD interceptors.
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