jpost.com
Lockheed Martin to Unveil Affordable, Long-Range Cruise Missile
Lockheed Martin will unveil a $150,000 cruise missile with a range exceeding 500 miles on Monday, responding to the need for "affordable mass" weaponry in the face of China's growing assertiveness in the Pacific, as exemplified by the Ukraine conflict.
- How does the modular design of the CMMT contribute to its affordability and adaptability for various military applications?
- The CMMT's modular design allows for variants suitable for diverse missions, including longer-range deployment from various aircraft and a maritime strike version usable in swarms. This responds to the Ukraine conflict's demonstration of the need for large inventories of relatively inexpensive weapons.
- What is the significance of Lockheed Martin's new, low-cost cruise missile in the context of US defense strategy against China?
- Lockheed Martin will unveil a new cruise missile, the Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT), on Monday. Priced at approximately $150,000 with a range exceeding 500 miles, it's designed for "affordable mass" deterrence against China in the Pacific. Lockheed aims to produce 2,500 annually if the Pentagon orders the missile.
- What are the potential long-term implications of the "affordable mass" approach to military weaponry for the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region?
- The CMMT's low cost and modularity could significantly alter naval warfare by enabling the deployment of large numbers of missiles, potentially overwhelming enemy defenses. The focus on affordability is a direct response to the increasing need for cost-effective weapons in the context of great power competition.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the positive aspects of the new missile, highlighting its affordability and potential to deter China. The headline, while not explicitly provided, would likely focus on the new weapon and its capabilities. The article's introduction sets the stage by focusing on the need to deter China and the "affordable mass" strategy, effectively prioritizing this perspective. The potential downsides or ethical concerns are minimized or absent.
Language Bias
The article uses language that presents the new missile in a positive light, repeatedly describing it as "affordable," "low-cost," and having a "long range." While factually accurate, this positive language subtly frames the missile as a beneficial development without exploring potential drawbacks. For example, instead of 'long range,' a more neutral term would be 'extended range'. The term "deter Chinese ambitions" is potentially charged language, implicitly framing China's actions as aggressive.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the US perspective and its need to deter Chinese ambitions. It mentions the Ukraine-Russia war's impact on the demand for affordable weapons but omits discussion of other countries' perspectives or potential impacts of this new missile on global security. The potential downsides or unintended consequences of deploying large numbers of these missiles are not explored. Omission of potential international criticism or concerns regarding this arms race is also notable.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between "affordable mass" weapons and expensive cruise missiles, suggesting a simple choice between quantity and quality. It doesn't fully explore the potential complexities and trade-offs involved, such as the effectiveness of lower-cost missiles compared to more sophisticated ones. The description of the CMMT as filling a "gap" implies a binary choice that may not fully capture the spectrum of available weapon systems.
Sustainable Development Goals
The development and production of a new, affordable cruise missile, while intended for deterrence, could escalate tensions and contribute to an arms race, undermining international peace and security. The focus on mass production of relatively inexpensive weapons raises concerns about the potential for increased military conflict and proliferation of arms.