The highly anticipated arrival of the new Chinese Anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) is finely upon us and (predictably) many in the US are unnecessarily fretting over this development.
With a purported range of up to 1,900 miles, this missile is capable of striking at the core of the US naval power in the pacific. Carrier Strike Groups have been at the center of US naval dominance, so it comes as no surprise as to why China would want to develop such a weapon.
The strait of Taiwan is a strategic location in the world and the US has vowed to defend the sovereignty of Taiwan. China has repeatedly claimed that Taiwan is part of their nation and should be included. This is something that the people of Taiwan fear.
Now, the Chinese have a missile that is large enough to sink a aircraft carrier and they can do this from the safety of their shores.
Chinese Navy
Total Navy Ships: 760
Merchant Marine Strength: 1,822 [2008]
Major Ports and Harbors: 8
Aircraft Carriers: 1 [2010]
Destroyers: 21 [2004]
Submarines: 68 [2004]
Frigates: 42 [2004]
Patrol & Coastal Craft: 368 [2004]
Mine Warfare Craft: 39 [2004]
Amphibious Craft: 121 [2004]
US Navy
Total Navy Ships: 1,559
Merchant Marine Strength: 422 [2008]
Major Ports and Harbors: 10
Aircraft Carriers: 11 [2008]
Destroyers: 50 [2008]
Submarines: 75 [2008]
Frigates: 92 [2008]
Patrol & Coastal Craft: 100 [2008]
Mine Warfare Craft: 28 [2008]
Amphibious Craft: 38 [2008]
10 Nimitz Class Carriers, 1 Enterprise class, and we have plans for 3 more Ford class Carriers. This would bring the total to 14. AEGIS combat Ticonderoga Class Cruisers we have 22. We have 57 Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers as well. Not to mention plenty of other ships.
The 10 Nimitz class Carriers we have use an A4W nuclear reactor for a maximum speed of over 30 knots. Each of these carriers hold roughly 85-95 fixed wing aircraft.
Even though the Worldfirepower website included a Chinese Aircraft carrier in their numbers, they do not have an active CSG. By 2015 China should have 2 of their own Carriers that are estimated at 50,000-60,000 tons. Compare this to the 93,000 ton Enterprise and the 100,000 ton Nimitz carriers.
Okay. I believe that I have demonstrated that the US naval supremacy is still in effect. Even if China has a missile that can sink a CSG. If we ever came to this point, the US air supremacy would be the deciding factor.
Check out these numbers:
US Airforce:
AIR FORCE
Total Aircraft: 18,169 [2003]
Helicopters: 4,593 [2003]
Serviceable Airports: 14,947 [2007]
Chinese Airforce:
AIR FORCE
Total Aircraft: 1,900 [2004]
Helicopters: 491 [2004]
Serviceable Airports: 467 [2007]
So, the US has a far superior navy and airforce. The Chinese have more manpower and a new missile that is making headlines.
Little did you know, the new ASBM missile developed by the Chinese is very similar to the Pershing II missile that the US stopped producing in 1988. That is right, 1988.
The ASBM missile developed by China is more advanced then the Pershing II and is should suite the needs of the Chinese military well.
If there was another country out there that had the naval power of the United States, then the US would certainly develop an ASBM system for defense purposes. As of today, there is no need.
I delve into this subject in a few other articles as well.
This is one discussing the concerns over a Chinese invasion of the US.
Loading ...