U.S. contractors likely to operate Tomahawk missiles if supplied to Ukraine

U.S. contractors, rather than Ukrainian troops, are expected to operate and maintain Tomahawk cruise missiles if they are supplied to Ukraine, according to a senior Western official cited by the Financial Times. This approach aims to minimize escalation risks and prevent the transfer of sensitive technology.

Limited training for Ukrainian personnel is anticipated, as Tomahawk missiles require complex navigation and targeting systems, which include "black box" components that are controlled by the United States. Initial deliveries of the missiles are projected to be between 20 and 50, which is significantly lower than Ukraine"s request for hundreds of missiles.

This development comes amid ongoing discussions regarding military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. For more on related coverage, see recent developments in international relations.

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