5 ms·
If that's the case, it is only a matter of time before we all can afford our own cruise missiles. I see your point. The way I see it there's a great advantage
by WheelsAtLarge 2y ago
If that's the case, it is only a matter of time before we all can afford our own cruise missiles.
I see your point.
The way I see it there's a great advantage to having big very expensive weapons, such as only a few countries can afford them and they are so expensive and destructive that leaders aren't so quick to use them.
- defrost 2y agoThat acts as a deterrent to big actions, nuclear nation Vs nuclear nation in direct conflict World War scale confrontations. As the entire post WWII Cold War era and recent post 9/11 decades have shown, however, is that big expensive weapons that destroy entire cities in a single package have done little to stop endless low level warring. Small conflicts continue none the less, the US invasions of Iraq, Afghanistan, the Russian actions in Syria, the Crimean and Ukraine invasions, etc. (many many other "et cetera's"). A Chinese expansion to take Tawain would be of a similar "small" scale from the PoV of "does this warrent a nuclear response". It would be a naval battle in many ways and the best deterrance, perhaps, is an over supply of "cheap" semi autonomous self guiding over the horizon evasive ship killer missiles. The knowledge that any ships that engage could be rapidly removed from the board is the very thing that might see such usage not come to pass.
- Teever 2y agoI've been trying to find it for years but about 20 years ago when that guy from New Zealand was trying to build his own cruise missile for under $20k I found a DoD paper that had a line I'll paraphrase that stood out to me: 'the DIY cruise missile will become the AK-47 of the 21st century'
- Animats 2y ago> If that's the case, it is only a matter of time before we all can afford our own cruise missiles. What do we do when the Sinaloa cartel gets the capability to attack LA? They're already heavily involved in preventing the election of officials opposed to them.[1] [1] https://apnews.com/article/mexico-drug-cartels-violence-elections-43b1689bff1b38c68e8428a74c2e9a83 https://apnews.com/article/mexico-drug-cartels-violence-elec...
- jcgrillo 2y agoThey have such an ability right now. They could easily get a fleet of quarter scale R/C aircraft with autonomous control ala pixhawk, load them up with explosives and fuel, and send them on a one way trip to the big city. Maybe $5-10k ea. The first attack would likely be very successful, because nobody is ready for it. Expect effectiveness to degrade over time as air defense systems and fighters are deployed. I wouldn't expect them to do this, though, because anyone contemplating such a thing would realize the response would be immediate and decisive. Cartels are after all business organizations, and you can't do business if you're spending all your time dodging hellfire missiles.
- mrkstu 2y agoYep. A 9-11 Afgan style response would be much easier when the perps are literally next door.
- basementcat 2y agoThis may create a market opportunity for "personal Iron Dome" like products. Perhaps it’s not too late to apply for the next YC opportunity?
- bigiain 2y agoBay Area gated communities, with Google and Facebook shuttle buses, and anti cruise missile defence systems built by YC funded "peace" startups. Be right back, quickly buying up some realestate...