Aircraft Carriers Are Sitting Ducks

[sarisataka]

27. Sea skimming missiles are not new to warfare

Nor is designing defenses against them. A CVBGs ability to protect itself is impressive and it is all focused on protecting the carrier. Granted no defense is impenetrable but to claim they are sitting ducks against an untested missile is hyperbole.

According to the description,

The CM-302’s warhead, reportedly weighing between 250 and 500 kilograms, carries sufficient destructive yield to inflict catastrophic damage on vessels displacing up to 5,000 tons

Modern carriers displacement is over 100,000 tons. It would take multiple hits to be assured of causing significant damage.

Tactically trying to hit a carrier is simply wasting missiles. It is very unlikely they would reach their target and any damage inflicted would probably be minor. Yet Iran could try as any damage they could cause to a carrier would be a strategic victory.