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An anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) is a quasiballistic missile, of medium or intermediate range, designed to hit a ship at sea. Currently, there are no ship-board defense mechanisms that can counter an ASBM^{[dubious – discuss]}. A single hit from an ASBM has the potential to cripple or destroy outright a supercarrier.

Unlike a typical ballistic missile, which follows a sub-orbital ballistic flightpath after the relatively brief initial powered phase of flight, an ASBM requires, it seems, some kind of terminal guidance system to home in on its target.

Only one ASBM is currently in operation. China has successfully developed and tested the DF-21 anti-ship ballistic missile, with a range of up to 3,000 kilometres (1,900 mi) or more, in 2005, according to the US Department of Defense. Other analysts are less sure that China has sufficient technical capability for an accurate ASBM system.^{[citation needed]} The DF-21 anti-ship ballistic missile is expected to enter active service by 2009.^[1][2]

The United States Navy has responded by switching its focus from a close blockade force of shallow water vessels to return to building deep water ballistic defense destroyers.^[3]

[edit] See also

• DF-21 ASBM
• Cruise missile
• Surface-to-surface missile
• Anti-ballistic missile
• Anti-ballistic missile treaty
• Atmospheric reentry

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Executive overview: Jane's Strategic Weapon Systems, July 2008
• An introduction to ballistic missiles
• Aviation Week