Are we at the dawn of open conflict between several major world powers? Or will we return to a climate of constant tension as we experienced during the Cold War? Two questions that cannot be answered at present. However, an arms race is unfolding before our eyes in East Asia, notably involving China and the United States with missiles.
The United States fears the Chinese threat
This is what an article from Reuters of October 25, 2024. Indeed, the Chinese army seems more dangerous than ever in the eyes of Uncle Sam's country.
Increasingly threatening Taiwan and increasing its presence in the Indian Ocean, China seems to be revealing its cards, little by little. No one shot first and until proven otherwise, chances are it won't happen right away. However, the United States is making no mistake, the Chinese arsenal, which has modernized in recent years, can threaten American interests.
The American press agency even specifies that the main threats have been identified: hypersonic weapons which have the capacity to sink ships, as well as “aircraft carrier killer” missiles.
A new generation of American missiles
To defend themselves against the potential threat posed by China in East Asia, the Americans seem to have already found the solution. Indeed, to counter Chinese technology, the American army would like to equip its ships with the latest generation interceptor missiles: the PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3).
Products by Lockheed Martinthe American company specializing in the manufacture of weapons, these are not missiles described as “hyper agile” intended to fall on enemy targets, but to defend themselves against other weapons. Designed to be “hit to kill” (hit to kill) towards other ballistic missiles, these are missiles which will crash and explode against another missile to cancel its action.
If they are used in particular by the US Army, the equivalent of the Army, the US Navy has shown its interest in equipping its ships which could be under Chinese threat. Tests have been taking place since the spring to implement this defensive strategy.
How many weapons will be produced?
Of course, given the crucial information that this could constitute, no figures have been communicated to the press. However, Tom Karako, a missile defense expert in Washington, expressed the idea that the request would “explode” to Reuters
But that's not all. For the production of said missiles for American ships, the United States has reached an agreement with its Japanese ally to set up a factory on their territory. This should allow, in the event of an offensive, whatever the side, to have the possibility of resupplying nearby.
Source : Reuters
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