"How fast do cruise missiles fly?" measures the velocity at which these unmanned, guided missiles traverse the air. For instance, the Tomahawk cruise missile travels at approximately 550 mph (885 km/h).
Understanding this speed is essential for evaluating a cruise missile's effectiveness in various scenarios. Its swiftness allows for quick strikes on targets while minimizing the risk of detection and interception. The Tomahawk's development during the Cold War revolutionized warfare by introducing a highly accurate and long-range missile capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear payloads.