Q&A · 44:40-45:44

Targeting a long-range anti-ship Tomahawk

Aircraft, satellites, and helicopters can support missile targeting, while route planning can conceal the launcher's position.

Question

How could a ship target a long-range anti-ship Tomahawk?

Short answer

It could use aircraft, satellites, or helicopters for targeting, and route the missile indirectly to conceal the launch position.

Notes

The range premise is corrected first: the anti-ship Tomahawk is described as a roughly 400-nautical-mile weapon rather than a 1,000-nautical-mile one. Strike fighters, F-35s or Harriers, satellites, and helicopters such as a suitably equipped Sea King could provide targeting information. The ship would not have to fire along the most direct route or use the missile's entire range against a distant target. An indirect flight path could conceal the launcher's position while still reaching a target only two or three hundred miles away.