Far reaching propositions: sea-based, barrel-launched guided projectiles and conventionally armed cruise missiles are already demonstrating considerable effectiveness. The same is true of land-based weapons. Several countries are now working to exploit the full potential of such weapon systems for the precision engagement of critical targets at the beachhead, on the extended battle-field and far beyond.

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Far reaching propositions: sea-based, barrel-launched guided projectiles and conventionally armed cruise missiles are already demonstrating considerable effectiveness. The same is true of land-based weapons. Several countries are now working to exploit the full potential of such weapon systems for the precision engagement of critical targets at the beachhead, on the extended battle-field and far beyond.

The emergence of ship- and submarine-launched cruise missiles as the precision weapon of choice in all recent major conflicts, coupled with America's plans for the Block I land attack version of the DD(X) Future Surface Combatant, which is now set to replace the projected Zumwalt-class DD21, have turned a spotlight on naval fire support for ground forces and on the military and political advantages of striking land targets from the waters that cover most of this planet. The following discussion looks firstly at gun-launched guided projectiles and then at surface- and subsurface-to-land missiles.

Naval forces, which during the Cold War emphasised deep-water roles, are now seen more in terms of littoral operations to support amphibious forces and lightly-equipped quick-reaction army units that have been inserted (for example) to stop and reverse an invasion, to impose a ceasefire between warring factions or to attack terrorist bases. Seaborne platforms provide global mobility without the diplomatic problems of ground bas...

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