everything you say also applies to our capabilities vs. Russia, too. The exception might be the hypersonic cruise missile you mentioned. The may have tested one, but I am extremely doubtful that it's been deployed in any numbers. Standard cruise missiles from submarines would be quicker and more accurate, I would think. Of course, we know where all the Russian subs are...at least according to my sources...Personally, I'm not 100 percent confident...You're right; I don't think the missile shield is 90% effective. It has proven effective in Israel against home made rockets from Gaza but we should be realistic about it's capabilites vs. modern ICBMs. That's why I think we should continue to develop the technology.
- Russia just recently launched a missile that was supposedly faster than anything we have and is by some experts said to be unstoppable by current American technology. They seem to have taken the lead in ICBM technology.
- Russian military doctrine is to overwhelm any defense system with multiple missiles. Also each missile has I think 6 warheads in it that separate in the air before detonation. It's really hard to counter.
- The sheer size the USA; it's a large area to protect.
- Russian submarines can get very close to many US cities. So I'm talking about as little as 1 minute warning before the nukes arrive. Of course in that case not even bunkers would work. But that's still something to think about.
- Russia also has a nuclear torpedo they can launch from submarines. This is able to basically create a radioactive tsunami against coastal cities like NYC. This would likely be very effective.