The US Navy plans to begin arming submarines next year with new ship-targeting versions of the widely used Tomahawk missile to challenge Chinese maritime forces, particularly around Taiwan. The “Maritime Strike” version of the Tomahawk will be fielded after October 1. Taiwan is of particular interest for Washington and sees defending the island as a priority. The missiles will be deployed on Los Angeles and Virginia-class submarines. China has 370 ships and submarines in its naval force.