What weapons were used in US and Iran strikes, and which are also deployed near China?

Tomahawk Land-Attack Missiles

Footage released by the US military confirmed the use of the Tomahawk Land-Attack Missiles. According to the US Navy, the missiles were launched by Arleigh Burke-class destroyers on February 28, in the strikes against Iran.

The Tomahawk cruise missile is a long-range missile typically launched from the sea for use in deep-strike missions. Precision-guided Tomahawk cruise missiles can strike targets from 1,600km (1,000 miles) away. It is 6.1 metres (20 feet) long, has a 2.6-metre (8.5-foot) wingspan and weighs about 1,510kg (3,330lbs).

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Analysts said they believed the missiles bore a glossy black coating, different from the previous grey coating, marking the first appearance of this new type of Tomahawk missile. The US military news website The War Zone (TWZ) speculates that the low-observable coating enables it to absorb radar waves and improve its survivability.

The Tomahawk missile has been in service for more than 40 years, and the US military has multiple upgraded and modified versions. The US has previously used this missile to strike Houthi strongholds in Yemen.

Its presence is rising in East Asia, with the US deploying them in Luzon, the Philippines, a move that has drawn protests from Beijing. Japan is also moving closer to deploying them on its warships.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) fires a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) in Operation Epic Fury on Saturday. Photo: Handout

LUCAS one-way attack drones

US Central Command confirmed the use of LUCAS one-way attack drones – more commonly called suicide drones – on X, which suggests the first publicly recorded strike by this low-cost unstaffed loitering munition.

South China Morning Post