Land-based anti-ship missiles (ASMs) feature prominently in the capabilities of many island nations in the Western Pacific, but the United States currently lacks such systems. This report illustrates the potential strategic advantages of the United States working with partners to build a coalition ASM capability, particularly in the event of a conflict with China, and includes an assessment of logistical challenges and positioning approaches.

Employing Land-Based Anti-Ship Missiles in the Western Pacific

Terrence K. Kelly, Anthony Atler, Todd Nichols, Lloyd Thrall

ResearchPublished Nov 1, 2013

Cover: Employing Land-Based Anti-Ship Missiles in the Western Pacific
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In January 2012, President Obama declared that U.S. economic and security interests are "inextricably linked" to developments in the Asia-Pacific region. This shift in strategic priorities to East Asia was preceded by a growing literature about threats to the ability of the United States to project and sustain power there, particularly with regard to China. Land-based anti-ship missiles (ASMs) feature prominently in the capabilities of many island nations in the Western Pacific, but the United States currently lacks such systems. One promising approach to enhancing deterrence would be for the United States to either develop and field its own land-based ASM systems that could be deployed to Asia in case of a conflict, significantly raising the cost for China, or work with partner nations to develop capabilities that could be used by U.S.-led coalitions and, should deterrence fail, limit China's ability to inflict damage off the Asian mainland. Such capabilities could also facilitate regional cooperation with U.S. partners, enable the United States and its allies to interdict warships, or (supplemented by other assets) be used to form a full blockade of critical waterways in times of war. This report illustrates the potential capabilities of land-based ASMs and outlines some of the logistical and positioning considerations that will need to be included in a U.S. ASM strategy.

Key Takeaways

Land-Based Anti-Ship Missiles Would Be a Valuable Contributor to U.S. and Coalition Defense Operations in the Western Pacific

  • China depends heavily on freedom of the seas for trade and, increasingly, to pursue its territorial and other interests.
  • If China takes steps to limit a U.S.-led coalition's freedom of movement in the Western Pacific, the United States and its allies must be able to counter this strategy by limiting Chinese naval freedom of movement. The strategic placement of anti-ship missile systems (ASMs) has the potential to ensure the success of such an operation.
  • Ground-based ASMs are mobile and relatively easy to conceal. They could also have a range of uses, from serving as a deterrent to Chinese power projection to enabling blockades of critical waterways.

The United States Would Face Logistical and Security Cooperation Challenges in Fielding These Systems, but They Are Not Insurmountable

  • The United States does not currently have an ASM capability. It would be relatively easy to create in the U.S. armed forces (Army or Marine Corps), though it would be viable only as part of the joint force.
  • The United States must decide how many ASM systems to field and where to position them. The cooperation of regional partners will be necessary to ensure the optimal placement of these assets in the event of a conflict with China.
  • The air- and sealift requirements for ASM systems are not insignificant. The United States will need to consider these costs and logistical needs when developing a placement strategy. Existing systems and transportation requirements offer some guidance in this area.

Recommendations

  • China depends heavily on freedom of the seas for trade and, increasingly, to pursue its territorial and other interests. A U.S.-led coalition defense strategy in the Western Pacific should focus on these critical waterways.
  • The United States should consider developing a ground-based anti-ship missile (ASM) capability to exploit the advantage of these systems in an operational context and to facilitate security cooperation with partner nations in the region. The United States cannot train partners to use these assets if it has no experience with them.
  • Additional studies should be undertaken to determine how fielding ASMs would affect the regional, political, economic, and military dimensions of relations in the region. If the United States pursues an ASM strategy, additional research would be needed to establish the appropriate force structure, doctrine, and other requirements.

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Kelly, Terrence K., Anthony Atler, Todd Nichols, and Lloyd Thrall, Employing Land-Based Anti-Ship Missiles in the Western Pacific. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2013. https://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR1321.html.
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The research described in this report was sponsored by the United States Army and conducted by the RAND Arroyo Center.

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