U.S. Army Fires Long-Range Missile in Europe-Focused Drill for the First Time

The U.S. Army's 3rd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment recently conducted a significant test firing of a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile from its Typhon missile system at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in California. This marks the first time an artillery battery dedicated to the European theater has used this advanced weaponry, which was established almost a year ago.

The live-fire exercise took place on September 28 but was only announced by the Army last week as part of a broader training initiative aimed at familiarizing soldiers with the Typhon system. The battalion's use of the Tomahawk missile represents a substantial leap in capability compared to its previous systems, such as the HIMARS, which has a range of approximately 186 miles. In contrast, the Typhon can fire missiles up to 1,000 miles, significantly enhancing the Army’s reach and versatility.

Lt. Col. Derek Bartlett, commander of the battalion, emphasized that this new capability provides combatant commanders with unprecedented options for long-range strikes from land forces. The ability to deploy such powerful weapons without relying on support from other branches of the military is seen as a critical asset in modern warfare scenarios.

Originally scheduled to be deployed to Europe in 2026, the battalion's deployment plans were canceled earlier this year amid broader adjustments in U.S. Army movements to the region. However, its role remains crucial within the context of NATO and European security, with Multi-Domain Command-Europe describing it as a "primary kinetic long-range precision fires unit" for the continent.

The Typhon system is part of the Army's multi-domain task forces, designed to operate in close proximity to adversaries using a combination of cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and long-range missile strikes. This approach aims to disrupt enemy surveillance and targeting capabilities swiftly and effectively.

While this recent test was conducted within the United States, it underscores the evolving nature of military strategies in Europe. The Army's experience with Typhon in the Pacific over the past two years, including deployments to Japan and the Philippines, has informed its deployment plans for European contingencies. Major General Bernard Harrington highlighted at the Association of the United States Army conference that lessons learned from these earlier deployments are now being applied to enhance capabilities in Europe.

The successful test firing demonstrates the U.S. military's commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture in Europe and showcases advancements in long-range precision fires technology, which is vital for deterring potential threats and reinforcing NATO allies' security commitments.