Modern surface ships may endure some missile damage, while a torpedo hit is treated as a much more severe survivability problem. The proposed countermeasures include renewed torpedo bulges, stronger keels, and other underwater protection that has largely disappeared from modern designs. For a rising or weaker power, the attraction lies in imposing those costs on a larger fleet: a comparatively modest weapon programme could trigger extensive modernisations and refits. The weapon could therefore inflict strategic economic damage even if it were never fired in combat.
Notable Point · 28:25-30:16
A new torpedo threat can impose fleetwide refits
The torpedo-carrying missile becomes a procurement weapon as well as a battlefield one because it could force an opponent to restore bulges, strengthen hulls, or replace vulnerable ships.