• Navy warship and missile systems.naval parade image by Stepanov from Fotolia.com
  
  A wide array of naval missiles covers an extensive range of specific operational needs. Adaptability and versatility is a requirement of all naval weaponry, both in attack and in defense. Targets can be stationary or mobile, large or small, armored or unarmored. Furthermore, a range of naval missiles is needed in order to hit targets on the ground, in the air, on water or below the sea.
  
  

Strategic and Tactical

• Both strategic and tactical missiles are used by naval forces. These two missile types are often confused due to a degree of overlap within their tactical purpose. According to Aerospaceweb, "In general terms, a strategic weapon is one designed for mass destruction like a nuclear missile. A tactical weapon, on the other hand, typically carries a conventional high-explosive warhead." The Trident II D5, for example, is a strategic missile used by both the U.S.A. and the U.K. The Trident is launched from submarines and can carry a nuclear warhead. A tactical missile is generally smaller than a strategic missile. The Tomahawk cruise missile, also used by both the Royal Navy and the U.S., is a notable example of a tactical naval missile. Both strategic and tactical missiles are normally used against land-based targets.
  
  

Anti-Ship

• The anti-ship missile is another vital part of the naval armory. These missiles are used against other ships and large boats at sea. Most anti-ship missiles are guided and are of the sea-skimming type; staying close to the water allows the missile to remain undetected by radar during its approach. The Harpoon missile, manufactured by McDonnell-Douglas, is a prime example of an anti-ship missile. The Harpoon uses sophisticated navigation technology and can deliver an incredibly powerful blow to seaborne vessels.
  
  

Anti-Submarine

• Submarines have always posed a major threat to surface vessels. ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) weapons have been developed in order to defend against submarines. The Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) was developed in the 1960s and has been deployed on numerous warships throughout the world. The ASROC is a type of torpedo that uses sonar to find its target. The SUBROC (Submarine Rocket) missile is similar in nature to the ASROC, but is launched from submarines.
  
  

Surface-to-Air

• Surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) are designed to destroy aircraft. Naval SAMs are vital for all front-line warships, both as a defensive and and as an offensive weapon. Some warships, such as Aegis cruisers, specialize in anti-aircraft warfare. The U.S. Navy currently uses a variety of surface-to-air missiles such as the Sea Sparrow RIM-7 and the Surface Missile (SM) series. The Stinger surface-to-air missile is used both on land and on naval vessels. This is a very versatile hand-deployable missile; it is lightweight, carried on the shoulder, and can be fired by a single person.