Tomahawk missiles are American-made, long-range, low-flying strategic guided cruise missiles primarily launched from naval ships or submarines to strike fixed land targets. They fly at low altitudes to evade radar detection and avoid surface-to-air missiles, making them suitable for high-risk environments. The missile is about 5.6 meters long, can travel up to approximately 2,400 km (1,500 miles) at speeds of around 885 km/h (550 mph), and has an accuracy of about 5 meters. Tomahawks are propelled initially by a solid-fuel rocket booster and then by a turbofan engine, which emits little heat for stealth. The guidance system uses inertial navigation combined with terrain contour matching (TERCOM) radar and GPS, allowing the missile to navigate complex routes and accurately hit targets like communication sites or air-defense installations. It can also maneuver like a radar-evading fighter plane at altitudes of 30–90 meters above the ground. Originally developed in the 1970s, Tomahawks have been used extensively in various conflicts since their operational introduction in the 1980s, including the Gulf War, Kosovo, Libya, and recent operations in Syria and Iran. They are highly valued for precision strikes against hardened targets, offering a non-manned option that can penetrate defended areas with significant lethality. The missiles are manufactured by Raytheon and come in multiple variants with conventional and, historically, nuclear capabilities.