Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 57:57-59:25

Would SBX need a warship escort at sea?

Protecting the slow radar platform could tie up a versatile destroyer, while arming another converted rig would create a politically difficult and operationally limited substitute.

Arleigh Burke Class DestroyersForce ProtectionNaval ProcurementOffshore PlatformsSea Based X Band Radar
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Question

Would the Sea-Based X-Band Radar need protection at sea?

Short answer

Yes, but assigning a Burke-class destroyer would tie up a scarce combatant, while arming another oil-platform conversion would create a slow and politically difficult substitute.

Notes

Operating SBX in the open ocean would require protection. Assigning an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer would tie up a combatant that could serve elsewhere. A speculative alternative is another converted oil rig with weapons and a helicopter platform, stationed nearby and supplied in place. Such a platform could not move or operate like a destroyer, and its cost relative to a conventional warship would invite procurement scrutiny. The idea is discarded within the exchange, leaving the escort commitment as part of the radar platform's operating cost.