Is The US Losing Its Technological Advantage ?
It is no secret that the United States military has over the last decades kept a steady and significant technological advantage over its adversaries and even its close allies.
Precision weaponry such as guided missiles and munitions, interceptor-missile based defense systems against the ballistic threat, advanced air, ground, and arms of all sort have all kept the US far ahead of anyone else in the race. But this happy tale may be coming to its end, so an actual report of the Israel Homeland Security Report.
China, America’s largest frenemy, is hard at work to develop advanced arms of its own, and it’s not alone. While China is perfecting a ship-killing ballistic missile, Russian cruise missile showcased impressive precision and striking power in Syria. Russia also impressed US military planners with the improved artillery it deployed in Ukraine.
American officials and analysts are concerned with these developments
I am very worried about the U.S. conventional advantage. The loss of that advantage is terribly destabilizing,” said Elbridge Colby, a military expert at the Centre of a New American Security.
There are strong indications that Russia is developer longer-range surface-to-air missile and advanced electronic warfare technology. Ostensibly, this would be defensive development, but with the eastern bear nothing is ever certain. US military planners are now certain that Washington must focus in developing new military advances to once again outpace its rivals.
One of the possible developments may come in the form of the Navy’s railgun. Development of this technology is at least a decade away from bearing real fruit, but when it comes it may once again tip the balance in America’s favour. A typical US destroyer can carry just under 100 missiles. A ship armed with a railgun could carry thousands of rounds. This alone would put a US Navy ship at a great advantage, but firing the railgun would cost a fraction of what firing an interceptor missile does today, allowing the Pentagon to divert resources to where they’re needed most.
When the railgun finally comes, it will certainly boost Washington’s advantage. The question is, however, will it be enough ?