01-27-2017, 05:16 PM
X_4AD_84 Wrote:We've never had a TEL that can support ICBMs. Meanwhile, Russia and the PRC have really good TELs. Not only can a TEL drive anywhere there are passable roads, it can be put on a plane, a train, or a ship. That is excellent flexibility.
Yes it is. But the TELs I saw in the Wiki article Justin linked to did not show TELs carrying strategic missiles—i.e. those capable of traveling 6000+ miles to their target. Strategic weapons must be able hit their targets in short notice from anywhere in the world. They have large ranges and are physically large. The Russian SS-18 is 95 ft long and 10 ft in diameter. Are you sure the Russians have TELs deployed that accommodate a missile of this size? And would they be willing to place it in a 3rd world country where it could be seized by terrorists?
If so, it’s a way to do on land what a strategic nuclear sub already does-a capability the US has had for more than fifty years.