Public claims about military capability deserve caution regardless of their source. Modern weapons companies continue a tradition of salesmanship illustrated by the Vickers 14-inch gun. Nations also have reasons to keep their capabilities secret so opponents cannot know their full strengths. Disagreement over these claims need not involve personal insults.
Notable Point · 1:01:27-1:02:15
Why public defense claims demand caution
Weapons salesmanship and national secrecy make public claims about military capability difficult to assess, whatever their source.