I can't imagine that anyone would consider Aegis as the solution to all problems. But what the USN does is have aircraft overhead that can look out 200NM. The Sunburn has a range of 60NM. Before they can even launch a missile they are gone. They have to traverse 140NM at 30kts to get in range with F-18s and E-2s all over the place. But even beyond that, think about this. A low flying missile in dense air, flying at mach 2+. Do you think that would create an IR target? It certainly has a radar signature, as well as an EW signature. No, we may miss one or two, but the odds are in our favor. Most of the Sunburns will never even get launched. Those that do have to cope with 4 or 5 layers of defenses. Not perfect, but I'd be fine riding an Arliegh Burke.

Have any of you guys seen that latest US NAVY recruiting ad on TV? It highlights on the Aegis, and it tries to imply that a ship sitting several miles off the coast can pick up the IR of a fly sitting on some thug's collar miles away. Talk about good marketing (especially considering that the key Aegis sensor element is RADAR!)

"and it tries to imply that a ship sitting several miles off the coast can pick up the IR of a fly sitting on some thug's collar miles away." thats because its "talking" to a "water bug" kitted with an ATFLIR pod - combined arms at its best... ;)

-"thats because its "talking" to a "water bug" kitted with an ATFLIR pod - combined arms at its best... ;) " yes, but...a fly?

mate, I was joking. maybe the fly was on heat? ;)

HEH! Shows all I know. Here I thought "water bug" was Australian slang for some kind of recce asset. :-/ Ooo! Ooo! I got it! That "fly" was one of them there micro UAVs that mimics insects! Yeah, that's it! If the camera would've zoomed in a little closer, the "fly" probably had a tail number under its abdomen, and USN logos on its wings!

I usually tune out on commercials, but strangely what little I did see of it, I thought is was one of those micro UAVs. I'll need to actually watch next time it's on.