Pentagon reports on Chinese Ballistic Missile

[bladerunner]

An Article in the Washington times written by Bill Gertz March7 2008
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20080307/NATION04/676427087/0/EDITORIAL

China Missiles
One little noticed disclosure contained in the Pentagon's annual report on Chinese military power says China now has ballistic missiles designed to hit Us. aircraft carriers and ships at sea.

WAs anyone aware that China had perfected the art of using ballistic missiles for anti ship missiles, or is this a little pre-mature on the Pentagon's part?

[crobato]

Whoever said it is premature. That seems to be a very short answer but it needs no explanation.

[bladerunner]

Not having had the time to read the DoD report, im just wondering whether Gertz, is just running with or exagerating a report, that was just mentioned in passing. by the DoD.
Even if the Chinese have perfected the art of targeting a ballistic missile for anti aircraft carrier purposes, have they got the technology to find a fleet out in the pacific or wherever, that doesnt want to be found?

[crobato]

A fleet isn't hard to find, especially if its large ships, and a bunch of large ships moving together. It can be picked out by satellite and closer to the coast, by long range OTH radar. A fleet can also be picked up by a network of underwater sonar sensors like SOSUS. It can be picked up by subs, and the information relayed via satcom.

However there are many issues when you use a ballistic missile against a fleet, because it can be mistakenly construed as a nuclear attack and that may trigger a nuclear war.

I think the USN prepares for such an eventuality of a ballistic missile being used against its fleets by developing the SM-3.

[oscar2006]

I dont remember if it was new york times article or pentagon report about 4 years ago that said china is working on ballistic missiles which will target large moving ships and aircraft carriers and will be able to deploy by the end of decade.Missiles which china is working on are mrbm.

[AssassinsMace]

That has been discussed a lot here and other China related forums. But no proof yet if it exists.

[juli.mafia]

perfect!The time of U.S. air and naval dominance are finishing.Believe me that there is no major threat like air and sea dominace to a warfighting capability.World peace is better protected (by deterrence) when none of the major powers is capable of achieving fast (i mean in short periods like months)air and naval dominance.

[oscar2006]

It will be great if china gets this capability then Pakistan will have it too :)

[King_Comm]

I have a strong feeling that this report is just a stunt to convince the congress to allow the navy to buy more SM-3's.