Absent the Defense of the USA

The technology transfer of guidance systems and rocketry that took place in the 1990s is starting to pay big dividends for Red China, and big worries for the United States.

After years of conjecture, details have begun to emerge of a "kill weapon" developed by the Chinese to target and destroy U.S. aircraft carriers.

First posted on a Chinese blog viewed as credible by military analysts and then translated by the naval affairs blog Information Dissemination a recent report provides a description of an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) that can strike carriers and other U.S. vessels at a range of 2000km. [snip]

The size of the missile enables it to carry a warhead big enough to inflict significant damage on a large vessel, providing the Chinese the capability of destroying a U.S. supercarrier in one strike.

Because the missile employs a complex guidance system, low radar signature and a maneuverability that makes its flight path unpredictable, the odds that it can evade tracking systems to reach its target are increased. 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.

Pair this report with another news item today - Senator: Expect painful cuts in Pentagon budget -- and you have the ingredients for a Perfect Storm in the Pacific.

The only common denominator of the reports is that both the technology transfer and the budget cuts will take place during the administrations of those who would rather speak loudly and carry a small stick than rely on peace through strength. Trillions for pork, but small potatoes for defense.