An assessment of the Tomahawk missiles used by the US in the airstrike.

(Baonghean.vn) - General Rick Francona stated, "This is precisely the purpose for which the Tomahawk was designed. It can hit low-altitude targets and fixed structures without risking the entire crew."

The destroyer USS Barry launched a Tomahawk missile from the Mediterranean Sea on March 29, 2011. Photo: Getty

Early on April 7th, US President Donald Trump ordered a direct military airstrike on a military base in central Syria in response to a chemical attack in the Middle Eastern country earlier this week. US officials said two US warships in the eastern Mediterranean deployed 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles. According to military experts, the Tomahawk is a good option for this type of attack.

General Rick Francona stated, "This is precisely the purpose for which the Tomahawk was designed. It can strike low-altitude targets and fixed structures without risking the lives of the entire crew."

The Tomahawk is a medium-range cruise missile with a range of approximately 1,250 to 2,500 kilometers. Launched from the sea and flying relatively low above the ground, it is guided by an advanced targeting system, meaning the U.S. can target Syrian air bases from a distance.

Experts believe that the key is that Tomahawk missiles don't necessarily travel from point A to point B in a straight line. They will follow a roundabout route by sea, making them very difficult to shoot down. Tomahawk missiles can be fitted with a 450 kg conventional nuclear warhead.

The Tomahawk missile was first used by the US in Operation Desert Storm 25 years ago in Iraq. The UK has also purchased Tomahawk missiles from the US. Each Tomahawk costs $832,000.

Lan Ha

(According to CNN)