HMS Anson, an Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine, has been loading Tomahawk cruise missiles while docked in Gibraltar.
Images of the loading operation were shared on social media and subsequently circulated by notable naval commentators.
Not sure if HMS Anson is being loaded with Tomahawk missiles, or Spearfish torpedoes, but it does take quite a bit of manpower to do so. #Gibraltar pic.twitter.com/EveWQPrOPI
— Ian Mackie (@1anMackie) February 5, 2025
Like her Astute-class counterparts, HMS Anson is designed for a range of critical tasks, including intelligence-gathering and strategic strike. The submarine’s Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) capability allows it to engage targets on land at distances of around 1,000 miles with pinpoint accuracy. The Tomahawk—often referred to simply as TLAM—travels at low altitude, using a jet engine rather than a ballistic trajectory to evade detection and strike precisely.
Originally introduced into Royal Navy service in the late 1990s, Tomahawk missiles have been employed in a number of recent military operations, including conflicts in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. In 2017, the U.S. Navy famously launched 59 Tomahawks against targets in Syria, underscoring the missile’s continued relevance. The UK most recently purchased 65 additional Tomahawks in July 2014.
HMS Anson is the fifth Astute-class submarine to enter service with the Royal Navy. Its presence in Gibraltar, coupled with its ability to load and deploy Tomahawks, highlights the strategic and flexible nature of the Astute programme—ensuring that the Royal Navy retains a credible, long-range strike option wherever its interests require.
According to Raytheon, these are the general specifications:
| Primary Function: Long-range subsonic cruise missile for striking high value or heavily defended land targets. |
| Contractor: Raytheon Missile Systems Company, Tucson, AZ. |
| Date Deployed: Block II TLAM-A IOC – 1984 Block III – IOC 1994 Block IV – IOC 2004. |
| Propulsion: Block II/III TLAM-A, C & D – Williams International F107 cruise turbo-fan engine; ARC/CSD solid-fuel booster |
| Length: 20.3 feet; with booster: 20 feet 6 inches (6.25 meters). |
| Diameter: 21 inches |
| Wingspan: 8 feet 9 inches (2.67 meters). |
| Weight: 3,330 pounds with rocket motor. |
| Speed: Subsonic – about 550 mph (880 km/h). |
| Range: Block III TLAM-C – 900 nautical miles (1000 statute miles, 1600 km) Block III TLAM-D – 700 nautical miles (800 statute miles, 1250 km Block IV TLAM-E – 900 nautical miles (1000 statute miles, 1600 km) |
| Guidance System: Block II TLAM-A – INS, TERCOM Block III TLAM-C, D Block IV TLAM-E – INS, TERCOM, DSMAC, and GPS. |
| Warhead: Block II TLAM-N – W80 nuclear warhead. Block III TLAM-C and Block IV TLAM-E – 1,000 pound class unitary warhead. Block III TLAM-D – conventional submunitions dispenser with combined effect bomblets. |
This was widely publicised a few years ago, and it was clear it was being encouraged by MoD to send a message.
Same again?
Looking forward to reading the report that HMS Glasgow and HMS Venturer have been loaded with land attack missiles.
Its worth pointing out that the Block II TLAM-N can be loaded with a nuclear warhead. No suggestion that these have been, of course
There are no Block 2 TLAM-Ns left they were all scrapped..
Great capability, but with the number in stock being below 100 I believe, they wouldn’t last long even in a medium intensity conflict. Air defence systems operated by potentially hostile states are also much more effective than they used to be, so it is far from guaranteed that these relatively slowly and non-stealthy missiles will make it to their targets.
Part of me clings on to a faint hope that there is some secret stockpile of many more missiles, which are even more capable than we let on.