Q&A · 16:42-21:39

Surface-raider counters depend on bases

A Kynda-class counterfactual stresses that carriers, patrol aircraft, submarines, missiles, and escorts only matter if the basing and support chain exists.

Question

What would be the best way to counter Kynda-style missile cruisers used as commerce raiders?

Short answer

Several counters could work, but each depends on forward bases, support infrastructure, escorts, aircraft, crews, fuel, weapons, and sustainment.

Notes

Land-based fighters, P-3 Orion patrol aircraft, submarines, missile-carrying aircraft, and surface escorts could all hunt missile-armed raiders. Each option also requires airfields, fuel, weapons, spare parts, technicians, crews, escorts, or auxiliaries. Carriers likewise cannot be bought in isolation from their aircraft and supporting ships. Anti-raider strategy is therefore a logistics and basing problem as much as a contest between individual weapons.