By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Oshkosh Defense unveiled the Extreme Multi-Mission Autonomous Vehicle (X-MAV), a mobile ground-based launcher designed to carry Tomahawk cruise missiles. The X-MAV, showcased at the AUSA exhibition, could potentially address the logistical challenge of deploying Tomahawks in Ukraine, which are currently under consideration for delivery by the U.S. These long-range missiles, with a range up to 2,500 kilometers, could enable strikes on targets deep within Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, significantly increasing pressure on the Kremlin. This potential deployment is a subject of discussion, as Ukraine currently lacks the ability to strike some key Russian targets.
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US defense manufacturer reveals new Tomahawk launcher — just what Ukraine would need to hit Russia, and it’s all rather fascinating to consider. What a timely development, right? It’s almost like the stars aligned, and a brand-new weapons system just *happened* to materialize right when Ukraine could really use it. Now, the idea of giving Ukraine this new launcher and letting them “stress test” it in a real-world combat environment is definitely something that’s got people talking. After three years of this conflict, the fear of Russia reverse-engineering our tech feels a bit outdated. Let’s be honest, they’ve mostly resorted to slapping scrap metal onto their tanks, hoping to ward off missiles.
These new launchers aren’t just for Ukraine, either. There’s a clear strategic advantage for countries like Taiwan and, of course, for the US in the Pacific theater. This whole situation screams opportunity, both in terms of helping stop Russian aggression and for a company like OSK, potentially making a lot of money. The sentiment is pretty clear: ship ‘em all to Ukraine. And, let’s face it, the conflict seems to be driving a resurgence in westernized versions of long-range MLRS systems.
The political landscape, however, is a bit of a wild card. If a certain former president, who seems to change his mind every other week, ends up back in power, who knows what might happen? Hopefully, the good will of the American people and the strategic need will outweigh any political whims.
This new launcher is a big deal, and it’s been in development for a while. It’s almost as if the industry was waiting for the right moment, and Ukraine is the perfect place to field test them. A remote launcher is a brilliant idea, especially with the constant threat of artillery counter-fire. Also, the shift from tracked vehicles to wheeled vehicles in the defense sector is worth noting. It’s likely a combination of factors, like speed, weight, and easier maintenance.
The fact that this new system also works from Poland opens up even more strategic possibilities. It’s almost as if the pieces are falling into place, and it might just have some market manipulation aspects.
The potential for a major shift in the strategic balance is very real. The ability to strike at key locations is powerful. Hitting logistics hubs, weapons manufacturing facilities, and oil refineries would be much more effective at slowing down the Russian war machine. While destroying the Kremlin would be symbolic, it could potentially backfire.
It’s also worth noting that the Tomahawk missile has built-in navigation that doesn’t rely on GPS, using terrain mapping. The possibility of the US pulling satellite data or withholding spare parts is something that we have to consider. If Ukraine were to get the launchers, it is very important how it’s used, with targets like Kerch Bridge being much more strategic.
Of course, some of the concerns about this were about the technology itself and how it could be copied. With the current level of sharing between countries, it’s less about hiding specific designs and more about securing the electronics. And let’s be clear: Ukraine isn’t exactly getting something the Russians don’t already have some experience with.
For those following the defense industry, the NMESIS system, developed with China and designed with the Pacific in mind, should be on your radar. It’s a humvee-sized vehicle that’s even more agile. There’s also the fact that these Tomahawks are used for long-range land-based targets. It’s all about where to strike, and how to hurt the Russians’ ability to fight.
In the end, it seems this new Tomahawk launcher is coming at a crucial moment and could be a game-changer for Ukraine. Only time will tell how it will be utilized.