America's 'Great Retreat' is well underway

The US relies on three main systems: tactically on Patriot PAC 3, strategically on AEGIS and THAAD. The fourth system, the Ground Based Interceptor is at the moment a nearly dead letter, despite huge costs, because it needs a new interceptor missile.

In the latest test of AEGIS against two short/intermediate-range ballistic missile targets, only one of the targets was hit.

The AEGIS system was installed on the USS Ralph Johnson and used the AEGIS interceptor missile, SM-6 Dual II. The ship fired four missiles against two targets and hit only one.

AEGIS is regarded as perhaps the best US system for short and intermediate-range terminal ballistic missile defense and is the backbone of Japan's sea-based interceptors.

In missile defense, it is generally understood that firing two missiles at a target should yield a 95% probability of a hit.

The latest AEGIS test only achieved 50%. Concern over missile defenses is matched by the increasing vulnerability of US weapons platforms and bases.

There is some progress in anti-ship missiles, especially the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile which can be used by aircraft including the F-18, B-1B and F-35 and on surface ships.

https://asiatimes.com/2021/07/americas-great-retreat-is-well-underway/