Enthusiasm for the torpedo resembles later faith in missiles, hypersonic systems, and other transformative weapons. The promise that technology will make warfare mechanically predictable repeatedly collides with countermeasures and enemy adaptation. Nuclear weapons may have imposed an escalation ceiling without abolishing conflict, including wars between nuclear-armed states. Claims about precision strikes also need to account for the longer-term effects of destroyed infrastructure. A new weapon may add an operational problem without making war cheaper, bloodless, or simple.
Notable Point · 9:36-12:37
Why wonder weapons do not end naval judgment
The torpedo begins a recurring pattern: every supposedly scientific war-winning weapon invites a counter and restores the value of judgment.