US Deploys Tomahawk Cruise Missile Submarine to the Middle East
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. military has deployed the USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, to the region.
On August 11, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discussed with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reaffirming America’s commitment to take all possible actions to protect Israel and enhance U.S. military presence and capabilities across the Middle East. This was confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson, Major General Patrick Ryder.
Secretary Austin has directed the USS Georgia, an Ohio-class submarine, to the area under U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The Georgia is carrying 154 BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles. It is rare for the U.S. to publicly announce such submarine deployments. Known as “war messengers,” Tomahawks have been used by the U.S. in various conflicts since the Gulf War. They have a range of 460 to 2,500 kilometers depending on the variant, and are equipped with high-explosive or cluster warheads weighing up to 450 kilograms. Each missile costs between $1.8 to $2 million.
In addition to the Georgia, Secretary Austin has also ordered the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, which includes stealth fighter jets F-35C, to accelerate its deployment to the Middle East to support the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group already in the region.
The U.S. is augmenting its forces in the Middle East as regional tensions escalate following Israel’s airstrike targeting Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr near Beirut, Lebanon, and the assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Iran.
Hezbollah has vowed revenge for Shukr’s death. Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of orchestrating Haniyeh’s assassination, warning of retaliation. Iran also holds the U.S. responsible due to its support for Israel.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is conducting military exercises from August 9 to 13 in western Iran, near the Iraqi border. This follows an announcement by the IRGC Deputy Commander that Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a clear mandate for severe retaliation against Israel, demanding retribution for the bloodshed.
