What weapons were used in US and Iran strikes, and which are also deployed near China?
New radar-absorbing Tomahawk missiles and low-cost suicide drones mark a shift in modern warfare.
A detailed analysis by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) breaks down the advanced weaponry showcased in recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory attacks. The report, authored by Alcott Wei, highlights the first confirmed combat use of a new variant of the Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile (TLAM), distinguished by a glossy black, low-observable coating designed to absorb radar waves and improve survivability. These precision-guided missiles, launched from Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, can strike targets from 1,600km away and represent a 40-year-old system continually upgraded for modern conflicts. Alongside these, the US Central Command confirmed the use of Iranian-made LUCAS one-way attack drones, marking their first publicly recorded strike and highlighting the proliferation of low-cost, unstaffed loitering munitions.
The technical specifics underscore a strategic pivot with direct implications for the Indo-Pacific region. The new Tomahawk's stealth characteristics signal an evolution in long-range strike capabilities, while the confirmed use of suicide drones demonstrates the accessibility of potent asymmetric weapons. Crucially, the SCMP report connects these developments to escalating tensions near China, noting the US deployment of Tomahawks in Luzon, Philippines, and Japan's moves to equip its warships with them. This forward deployment transforms the weapon from a tool used against Middle Eastern targets like Iran and Yemen into a central piece of military posturing in East Asia, directly challenging Beijing's regional security calculus and prompting official protests.
- First combat use of a new low-observable Tomahawk missile with a radar-absorbing black coating, launched from US Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
- Confirmed debut of Iranian LUCAS one-way attack (suicide) drones, highlighting the rise of affordable, asymmetric loitering munitions.
- Strategic shift as the US deploys Tomahawk missiles in the Philippines and Japan, directly altering the military balance in East Asia near China.
Why It Matters
The weapons tested in recent conflicts are now being forward-deployed in Asia, directly escalating US-China military competition and regional tensions.