After years of conjecture, details have begun to emerge of a "kill weapon" developed by the Chinese that can target and destroy U.S. aircraft carriers.
First posted on a Chinese blog viewed and then translated by the US Navy, the blog described an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) that can strike carriers and other U.S. vessels at a range of 2000km (1080 nm).
The range of the modified Dong Feng 21(DF21) missile is significant since it can target areas that are likely hot zones for future confrontations between U.S. and Chinese naval surface forces.
The size of the missile enables it to carry a warhead big enough to inflict significant damage on a large vessel. The Chinese may have the capability to destroy a U.S. super carrier in one strike.
Because the missile employs a complex guidance system, low radar signature and a maneuverability that makes its flight path unpredictable, it may be able to counter tracking systems to reach its target. It is estimated that the missile can travel at mach 10 and reach its maximum range of 2000km in less than 12 minutes.
Supporting the missile is a network of satellites, radar and unmanned aerial vehicles that can locate U.S. ships and then guide the weapon, enabling it to hit moving targets.
The ASBM is said to be a modified DF-21
While the ASBM has been a topic of discussion within US defense circles for a while, the fact that Chinese sources are confirming the weapon system is operational is of great concern. The Chinese rarely mention weapons projects unless they being deployed.
This new system marks the first time a ballistic missile has been successfully developed to attack vessels at sea. US Ships currently have no defense against a ballistic missile attack.
After spending the last decade building a fleet that could operate in shallow waters near coastlines, the U.S. Navy seems to have quickly changed its strategy. It is now focused on improving the capabilities of its deep sea fleet and developing anti-ballistic missile (ABM) defenses.Analyst Raymond Pritchett notes in a post on the U.S. Naval Institute blog:
"The Navy's reaction is telling, because it essentially equals a radical change in direction based on information that has created a panic inside the bubble. For a major military service to panic due to a new weapon system, clearly a mission kill weapon system, either suggests the threat is legitimate or the leadership of the Navy is legitimately unqualified. There really aren't many gray spaces in evaluating the reaction by the Navy…the data tends to support the legitimacy of the threat."
In recent years, China has been expanding its navy to control disputed maritime regions. A recent show of force in early March led to a confrontation with an unarmed U.S. ship in international waters.
http://chinaconfidential.blogspot.com/2009/03/china-kill-weapon-aimed-at-us-aircraft.html
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