Here Are Five Major Weapon Systems That Arrived In 2017

File picture of Russian anti-ship missile

Michael Peck, National Interest: Game Changers: 5 Killer Military Weapons That Arrived in 2017

2017 was not a happy year for the world, but it was certainly a good year for weapons. Here are the five most interesting weapons of the last year:

The Long Range Anti-Ship Missile

When it comes to anti-ship missiles, the United States has always been behind Russia. The Soviet Union and now Russia have been fielding them since the 1950s, and Russia and China have numerous models in use, as well as upcoming hypersonic weapons. America, meanwhile, is still using the venerable and short-ranged Harpoon from the 1970s. The new Long Range Anti Ship Missile, or LRASM, should even the odds. The LRASM, which will launched from ships and aircraft, has a range of more than 200 miles compared to seventy for the Harpoon, packs a 1,000 pound–warhead, and is designed to be stealthy to enemy radar. This year, Lockheed Martin was awarded an $86.5 million contract to build the first twenty-three regular production missiles for launch from B-1 bombers and F-18 fighters. While the U.S. Navy's offensive punch has long tended to be airpower, the LRASM will go a long toward restoring the potency of the navy's surface warships.

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WNU Editor: It looks like the Russians have developed some effective weapon platforms that when used can seriously damage the U.S. Navy.