A shocking truth about the vulnerability of aircraft carriers against ballistic and cruise missiles

Aircraft carriers are increasingly threatened against ballistic and cruise missiles. With the advancement of military technologies, these weapons have been able to create serious challenges for the survival of these marine giants. In fact, the vulnerability of these massive vessels against new threats has increased in a worrying way.

Aircraft carriers have always been a symbol of naval power. But with the emergence of anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) and supersonic cruise missiles, equations have changed. These missiles are designed at high speed, superb maneuverability, and targeting accuracy to bypass advanced defense systems. These features have made even the most advanced ships not defenseless against these weapons.

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Aircraft carriers’ defensive challenges against ballistic and cruise missiles

The speed and power of the destruction of ballistic missiles

Anti-ship ballistic missiles such as China’s DF-21D move at ultrasound speeds and can attack aircraft carriers from high altitude. It is difficult to track such missiles even for advanced systems such as AEGIS. The direct trauma of these missiles to the ship can cause deadly damage and even completely eliminate its operational ability.

Capabilities

Supervisor cruise missiles such as Russia’s Zircon also limit the reaction opportunity for defensive systems due to low -altitude flight and very high speed. This feature increases the likelihood of a successful hit and early alert systems are practically less effective.

Iran’s role in the development of anti -ship missiles

Iran has also become one of the most important actors in the field of threats to aircraft carriers in recent years with the development of native ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Long -range missiles, Khorramshahr and cruise missiles such as Noor and Qader are part of Iran’s missile capability capable of targeting enemy large vessels. Using these missiles and its combination with asymmetric weapons, Iran has created a significant threat to aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

Aircraft carriers’ defensive measures

Near defense systems

Aircraft carriers use close defense systems (Close-in Weapon Systems or CIWS) to counter missile threats. These systems are trying to destroy them before colliding by firing high -speed bullets. However, the efficiency of these systems is limited to simultaneous and multi -stage attacks.

Layer defense and electronic measures

Layered defense, which includes several defensive lines with interceptors, laser weapons and electronic warfare measures, is another way of protecting aircraft carriers. However, the coordination of these systems and the rapid reaction to the threats that appear in a few seconds is still a major challenge.

Are the aircraft carriers still reliable?

Despite increasing threats, experts believe that aircraft carriers still play an important role in military strategies. But the fact is that their vulnerability to ballistic and cruise missiles has increased and they can no longer be considered invincible. The ability of countries such as China, Russia, Iran and even some regional actors in the development of precision and rapid missiles has made these vessels more accessible than ever before.

The future of battle in the sea

With the advancement of missile technologies, it is likely that maritime tactics are likely to change in the coming years. Using drones, increasing advanced defense systems, and focusing on hiding are some of the strategies to maintain maritime superiority. Ultimately, success in the future of naval wars will be dependent on the speed of compliance with these new threats.