AIRCRAFT CARRIERS IN HYPERSONIC MISSILE AGE

摘要

Hypersonic missiles will become a threat not only for aircraft carriers and other warships at sea, but virtually for every VA/VPs over land - Command and Control Communication Centres, airfields, as well as nuclear weapon launch sites. It will be a strategic weapon which could intensify cold peace or result in a major confrontation. China's DF 17 is nearing readiness for deployment. It is said to have a range of 1,800km to 2,500 km. Warheads could be dual use. On the other hand, Starry Sky 2 (XingKong 2) carries a nuclear warhead on a wave rider or hypersonic glide vehicle. It is expected to enter service by 2025. Seen in a strategic perspective, these missiles will be the mainstay against the US Navy from the Pacific front. As far as India is concerned, with its range of 1,800km to 2,500km, the land-based VAs and VPs could be targeted. Warships at sea could be deployed beyond the maximum range of land-based hypersonic missiles and yet perform their task in the Indian Ocean. The timeframe for countermeasures must begin now unless the retaliatory measure invites sea-based second strike. However, sea-based launch of such missiles seems unlikely at present.