The argument against nuclear-powered amphibious ships centers on the risk of operating them close to hostile shore weapons. Large coastal missiles make the threat different from a purely ship-to-ship engagement. A fixed battery can accommodate weapons that would be difficult to carry aboard a ship. Accepting the cost of a fixed installation therefore gives the defender considerable freedom over weapon size.
Notable Point · 2:29:14-2:29:48
Coastal missile size and nuclear-powered amphibious ships
An objection to nuclear-powered amphibious ships leads to a comparison of missile size limits aboard ships and in fixed coastal batteries.