Bloomberg: Trump ‘Armada’ Sent to Deter Kim Can’t Shoot Down His Missiles
* Vinson strike group escorts aren’t equipped for interceptions
* Navy vessels homeported in Japan would be needed for that
The U.S. Navy flotilla sailing toward the Korean peninsula to deter Kim Jong Un’s regime lacks a key capability: It can’t shoot down ballistic missiles.
The USS Carl Vinson and the aircraft carrier’s accompanying destroyers and cruiser are expected to arrive in waters near the peninsula this week, carrying a full complement of weaponry, including scores of Tomahawk cruise and anti-ship missiles, radar-jamming aircraft and non-stealthy “Super Hornet” jets built by Boeing Co.
That firepower brings a lot to any fight, but the Navy’s lack of ballistic missile defense capability on the scene means the Trump administration’s high-profile show of force has a significant gap as it warns North Korea against another missile test and pressures it to back down from its nuclear program.
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WNU Editor: The USS Carl Vinson strike group is focused on launching air strikes .... not shooting down ballistic missiles.
As of May 2014, there are 5 Ticonderoga class cruisers and 25 Arleigh Burke class destroyers equipped with BMD in the U.S. Navy
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