Modern missiles that reorient after launch make it easy to think of a VLS installation as providing 360-degree coverage. Guns cannot turn their fire around obstructions in the same way. Prospective laser systems are also expected to have coverage divided by their positions and lines of sight. Giving these weapons secondary priority when allocating space can leave them poorly placed for their defensive role.
Notable Point · 2:27-2:55
VLS missile coverage and the firing arcs of guns and lasers
Missiles that turn after launch encourage assumptions of all-round coverage, while guns and prospective laser weapons still need suitable positions and clear firing arcs.