Playing with fire

"The AEGIS weapon system was initially designed during the cold war. It was to fend off a full blown 'saturation attack' by Soviet forces." 

I was somewhat bemused when I read about this Russian SU-24 attack plane buzzing the USS Donald Cook (DDG-75). Really? Are the Russians that stupid to kick sand in the face of man-of-war equipped with the AEGIS weapon system? Once he lands, this pilot should get out of the cockpit and kiss the ground. He should thank his lucky stars he is still in one piece.

I know a bit about the AEGIS weapon system. I worked on it since the late 1970's at three different defense contractors. It is a state of the art, kick butt, take no prisoners type of weapon system. I think it is more like star wars than a weapon system. I have been to the "cruiser in the corn field" at Moorestown, NJ when it was being developed. And I have been in the CIC of a cruiser when the AEGIS weapon system went through a full out battle scenario test. It was simply amazing - and jaw dropping.

The radar on this ship is called the AN/SPY. It is passive radar with wavetop to azimuth capability. It can see everything from a very long distance away. It was built to protect the carrier task force from ANYTHING hostile. In fact, the USS Cook recently went through an upgrade to its VLS (Vertical Launching System). It can now fire just about anything, including missiles with exo-atmospheric intercept capabilities. In other words, it can also shoot down low orbit satellites as well as warplanes.

The AEGIS weapon system was initially designed during the cold war. It was to fend off a full blown "saturation attack" by Soviet forces. It has been upgraded numerous times as has the VLS system. In fact, the SM-2 anti-aircraft missile (which the Cook has) was developed under the "shoot the archer" concept. It has extraordinary range, so it can knock out a plane before the plane can release its ordnance against the ship. 

Here is the bottom line. The SU-24 plane which buzzed us is no match for the Cook in a gunfight. It would be over before the SU-24 knew what happened. Why the Russians have decided to do such foolish things is beyond me. Maybe it is because they know our President would do NOTHING, even if the Cook was sunk by Russian forces. Well after January, there will be a new sheriff in town. And the rules of engagement might change a bit.

So have your fun Bear. Enjoy the show. I really don't think your Navy ships would like to be buzzed by our F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Trust me Mother Russia, you have NOTHING that compares with this bird. We don't want conflict - but we don't want a return to the Carter days either. You kick sand in our face at your peril.