Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 53:10-54:36

Using ships to cue land-based Baltic missile batteries

Ships could cue land-based VLS batteries around the Baltic, but geometry and flight time make strike missions easier than air defense.

Air DefenceBaltic SeaNaval Mine WarfareNetwork Centric WarfareVertical Launch Systems
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Question

Could ships data-link targets to land-based VLS sites around the Baltic?

Short answer

Yes, but it is more practical for strike missiles than air defense, and ships have other pressing Baltic missions.

Notes

A ship could supply targeting data to a land-based vertical-launch battery around the Baltic. An air-defense missile launched away from the sensing ship would face additional flight time and more complicated intercept geometry. Strike missiles offer an easier application, although aircraft can already cue land-based strike systems. Ships would also be needed for mine clearance, amphibious support and occasional convoys. Swedish naval forces would have the additional role of providing strategic depth.