JazzMan
Elder Lister
There is a reason why the US is developing laser weapons and rail guns; to counter hypersonic weapons. So far, the system installed on USS Ponce has been a success. Journalists may not be hyping it like hypersonic missiles, but they work.
Both US and China are capable of shooting down satellites from orbit. What this means is GPS, force tracking and communications will be severed. Cyber/electronic warfare may also take out a lot of capabilities on both sides. How are forces expected to exercise command and control in such a situation?
Pentagon won't be able to give orders to a marine on some obscure reef, the order will have to come from much closer, say an aircraft carrier or amphibious landing craft. Also, that marine will have to be supported by assets such as helicopters for fire support, resupply and medevac. So, no, the ships may be from yesterday, but they are still the platform for tomorrow.
Drones work wonders in low intensity conflicts like the one between Armenia and Azerbaijan. With highly sophisticated forces who are in control of their surrounding electronic air space, they will be shot down before they have a chance to prove their capabilities.
This is why there is an emphasis on stealth and standoff weapons like cruise missiles. This is why there is an emphasis on close in air defence systems like C-RAM, Iron Dome, CWIS and so much more, to knock down missiles, drones, rockets and other artillery projectiles.
