Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury, Tomahawk cruise missiles and Shahed attack drones have been among the weapons used by the United States and Iran in the strike and counter-strike actions carried out over the past several hours. After the initial Washington and Israeli air raids, the Iranian response was swift: dozens of ballistic missile launches, as well as the deployment of drones against various targets across the region.
One of the first widely circulated images of the day showed BGM-109 Tomahawk land-attack missiles. Thanks to numerous videos shared on social media, dozens of these missiles could be seen flying toward their designated targets. The Tomahawks were launched from various U.S. Navy vessels deployed in the region, including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and attack submarines.
It is worth noting that Tomahawk cruise missiles are one of the United States’ primary tools for conducting deep strikes against strategic enemy targets. At this time, the full scope of assets involved in the opening phase of Epic Fury remains unclear, but the list likely includes nearly all air, land, and naval assets deployed by Washington in recent weeks.
Tomahawk Land-Attack Cruise Missile
The BGM-109 Tomahawk, also known as TLAM (Tomahawk Land Attack Missile), entered service with the U.S. Armed Forces in the 1970s. It is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile powered by a turbofan engine, capable of carrying an explosive payload of more than 100 kilograms (with a 450 kg unitary warhead) and striking targets at distances exceeding 1,700 kilometers.
Currently, Tomahawk missiles are employed by the United States Navy to conduct land-attack operations from surface ships and submarines, launched via Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) on surface vessels or torpedo tubes (TTL) on submarines. The variants currently in service correspond to Block IV and Block V.
The Block V Tomahawk missiles, introduced by the U.S. Navy in early 2021, enhanced their capabilities through Navigation/Communications (NAV/COMM) upgrades. Program projections also included the integration of a seeker kit and the replacement of the current warhead with the Joint Multiple Effects Warhead System (JMEWS), according to official sources.
Iran’s Response: Shahed Attack Drones
Following the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, Tehran’s response quickly materialized, ranging from ballistic missile launches to the deployment of the now widely known Shahed family of attack drones. Iranian strikes targeted several countries in the region, prompting heightened alerts and defensive measures across the Middle East.
Among the most viral images circulating on social media were those depicting an attack on the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain and the impact of a Shahed drone near a hotel in Dubai—once again demonstrating the capabilities of these simple yet effective unmanned attack systems.
Although Iran has been using Shahed drones for several years, these systems gained greater prominence after Russia turned to Tehran’s arsenals to sustain continuous pressure against Ukraine. Since then, tens of thousands of these drones have reportedly been used in strikes across Ukrainian territory, many of them against civilian targets.
For its part, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to reinforce their defenses against a threat that is constantly evolving through the adoption of new technologies and capabilities. Despite their limitations, Shahed drones have proven effective at saturating integrated air defense systems, thanks to their small size, low speed, and relatively simple technology.
We will continue to provide updates on the latest developments in the Middle East, as well as the weapons systems being employed by both sides.
Cover image for illustrative purposes. Credits: U.S. Navy – Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin M. Langer.
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