American capital ships operating in the narrow, shallow Gulf have always been in great danger. Their defensive systems are best suited for deep blue water. The Iranians have purchased state of the art stealthy Chinese made shore to ship stealth missiles.The shores of the Gulf are fortified with them The Chinese made a huge effort designing these missiles. They designed these missiles to sweep the Taiwan Strait of hostile naval elements when they invade Taiwan. It would be a mistake to underestimate their effectiveness. The sailors on those ships would have very little time to react if they are launched especially in conjunction with an asymmetrical attack. That asymmetrical attack would consist of speedy small craft or speed boats armed with missiles or acting as suicide boats. The Iranians have been making faux attack runs at American capital ships whenever they can. This results in multiple “alerts” and drills on those ships that inevitably leads to dangerous complacency. One of those runs at the ships may be the real thing. It is imperative that the US Navy make it clear that any such “run” is a hostile act and will be met with a definitive defensive response.
” It is imperative that the US Navy make it clear that any such “run” is a hostile act and will be met with a definitive defensive response.”
I think that was the point of this very public Navy statement. It’s the public and polite way of saying if we shoot at you next, you have been warned.
Good point. The blip on a radar screen for a missile boat will not look that much different from the boats in the videos. The missile is already on the way before visual confirmation can be obtained.