A Cruise Missle Arms Race?

AGM-129 ACM (Advanced Cruise Missile). Wikipedia

New U.S. Cruise Missile Risks Dangerous Arms Race -- Michael Peck, War Is Boring

Pulverize your enemy—and hope they don’t do the same to you

The Pentagon wants a cheap cruise missile that can strike anywhere in the world without risking American soldiers or aircraft.

It’s a great idea. As long as it doesn’t inadvertently start a destabilizing arms race.

The Pentagon’s proposal calls for a stand-off weapon that can launch from outside the range of enemy defenses.

It should be a “low-cost conventional weapon concept or concepts that costs less than $2 million per round, can support other reconnaissance and attack missions, and strike important weapons, sensors, facilities and infrastructure targets at ranges up to … 3,000 nautical miles.”

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My Comment: The cost factor of these weapon systems will become even more important as budget cutbacks continue. These missile systems are relatively cheap, effective, and they can be deployed anywhere. It is also true that the "other side" can do the same .... and they are also under the same cost constraints like everyone else. Yup .... it looks like an arms race over cruise missiles is just around the corner.