They're all likely seen as a threat, and closely monitored. They question is really when would the Navy take action beyond harsh language on the VHF? With no particular inside information, I'm going to say that there would either have to be a collision, especially one that looked intentional, or shots fired at one of our ships.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo Jones:
Good point.

How close does an non-friendly aircraft have to be before its seen as a threat?

quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
This is NOT an issue of the capabilities of the weapons systems. This is an RoE issue.

No one seems to want a shooting war in the gulf. If we wanted one we could easily start it. Splashing that helo might do the trick.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo Jones:
Hmmm...

Just read that the effective firing range of a Phalanx CIWS is about 1500 meters

How about this...at 3000 meters from the ship, you get a warning burst. At 1500 you get lit up.