Pointblank
Senior Member
Re: The End of the Carrier Age?
I would argue that the primary problem with ASBM's is the need for real time high accuracy targeting from a nearby platform for mid-course correction. Deny that ability, and one is firing essentially blind.
The problem is a reliance on missile barrage means you're trading physical presence for offensive power. It's the same doctrinal mistake made about the superiority of air power. Once you've crushed enemy forces you need to occupy the territory to make any substantive gains. Asymmetry works for countries like China because they're playing defense. They already hold their own territories and need some offensive deterrence to prevent physical occupation, which is precisely what a carrier group is for. In that sense, the carrier group is not obsolete in any way.
I would argue that the primary problem with ASBM's is the need for real time high accuracy targeting from a nearby platform for mid-course correction. Deny that ability, and one is firing essentially blind.